What is Christmas tree syndrome?

Being allergic to a Christmas tree – often called the Christmas tree syndrome - is a condition that causes wheezing, sneezing, coughing, sore eyes, and potentially serious asthma attacks.

How do you get rid of Christmas tree syndrome?

Clean and wipe the trunk of your tree thoroughly with water and bleach before you bring it into the house. Use a leaf blower to remove as many pollen grains as possible before bringing the tree indoors. Get rid of the tree sooner. Mold spores increase the longer the tree is around.

What does Christmas tree allergy look like?

Symptoms. The symptoms of a pine tree allergy mirror those of a cold, which is, without a test, hard to identify. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing, but also include symptoms that are similar to hay fever, such as itchy, watery eyes with dark circles under them. You may also get a skin rash.

Is my Christmas tree making me sick?

A study by the State University of New York found that 70% of the molds found in live Christmas trees trigger some sort of reaction. Dr Boutin said it can cause severe asthma attacks, fatigue and sinus congestion. Often you can't even see the mold that's making you sick.

What causes Christmas tree disease?

The exact cause of a Christmas tree rash is unknown. Although the rash can resemble hives or a skin reaction, it's not caused by an allergy. In addition, fungus and bacteria don't cause this rash. Researchers believe pityriasis rosea is a type of viral infection.

What Is Christmas Tree Syndrome?

Is pityriasis rosea an STD?

It also is not due to any known type of allergic reaction. This condition is not a sign of any type of internal disease. Since it is neither contagious nor sexually transmitted, there is no reason to avoid close or intimate contact when one has this eruption.

How does a person get pityriasis rosea?

The exact cause of pityriasis rosea is unclear. It might be triggered by an infection with a virus, particularly by certain strains of the herpes virus. But it's not related to the herpes virus that causes cold sores. Pityriasis rosea isn't contagious.

How do I stop my Christmas tree allergies?

When it comes to artificial Christmas trees, the number one way to avoid allergen exposure is to be a stickler for proper storage. To prevent dust and mold growth, store your tree in a cool, dry place when it is not in use. Putting the tree parts in sealed bags or containers can help further protect them.

How common is it to be allergic to Christmas trees?

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Christmas tree (pine, fir, and hemlock or spruce trees) allergies are fairly uncommon.

Do Christmas trees cause headaches?

For some people, the scent of a Christmas tree is beautiful, but it can also be a major headache trigger. After a couple of weeks with pine boughs in your home, you might be suffering. Other common holiday scents that give people headaches include scented candles and even cinnamon.

How long does Christmas tree rash last?

The rash most often appears on the chest, back, and belly. It can take 1 to 3 months to go away. But once it's gone, it doesn't come back.

What do stress rashes look like?

Hives from stress and anxiety can appear anywhere on your body. They often look like red, pink, or flesh-colored, raised, puffy, splotches. Sometimes, they may look like bug bites, or raised red bumps.

Can Christmas trees give you a sore throat?

A Christmas tree allergy can cause wheezing, sneezing, coughing and a sore throat. It can also lead to serious asthma attacks.

Which Christmas tree is least allergenic?

What are the symptoms of pine tree allergies?

Do Christmas trees cause asthma?

While a tree in and of itself might not trigger an asthma attack, what's on it certainly could. “Christmas trees usually have leftover mold on them, or pollen, and many people with asthma have an increased difficulty breathing when you bring a live tree in the house and you warm it up,” says Honsinger.

Is pityriasis rosea linked to COVID-19?

Research is still ongoing, but the link between pityriasis rosea and COVID-19 has been reported in cases where individuals with asymptomatic COVID infections came into the hospital to treat a skin condition, to then be told that they have the respiratory infection as well.

How do you get rid of pityriasis rosea fast?

Pityriasis rosea usually goes away on its own without treatment in 4 to 10 weeks. If the rash doesn't disappear by then or the itching bothers you, talk with your health care provider about treatments. The condition clears up without scarring and usually doesn't come back.

Can pityriasis rosea be caused by stress?

Its exact cause is unknown. No germ (bacterium, virus, or fungus) has been found in people with the rash. However, certain types of human herpes viruses may be a part of the cause. It is not associated with food, medicines or stress.

Who is at risk for pityriasis rosea?

Who does pityriasis rosea affect? Anyone can get pityriasis rosea. You may be more likely to develop it if you're: Between the ages of 10 and 35.

Should I be worried about pityriasis rosea?

Pityriasis rosea causes a rash that will clear on its own, so it's usually nothing to worry about. Still, it's important to get diagnosed. It's possible that the rash could be something other than pityriasis rosea. Also, if you're pregnant, you may need close follow up.

Why do I keep getting pityriasis rosea?

The cause of pityriasis rosea is not known, but it is commonly believed to be caused by a virus or bacteria. Some patients may have a cold before the rash. It is usually seen in children, adolescents, and young adults. Most people with the rash are 10 to 35 years of age.

Are old Christmas trees toxic?

Toxic Chemicals in Artificial Christmas Trees

PVC is a major source of phthalates, one of the better known endocrine disrupting chemicals (they upset how hormones are made and distributed throughout our bodies).

Can Christmas tree cause cough?

Being allergic to a Christmas tree – often called the Christmas tree syndrome - is a condition that causes wheezing, sneezing, coughing, sore eyes, and potentially serious asthma attacks.

Should you rinse your Christmas tree?

Good idea, some experts say. Hosing off a live tree or wiping off an artificial one are two ways to keep allergens at bay during the holidays.