Have you ever experienced some odd symptoms while decorating for the holidays? Maybe some sneezing? Or getting watery eyes? Maybe your throat tightening up, making it hard for you to breathe? Or even, in some extreme instances, maybe getting a rash? Well, if this sounds like you, you might have experienced "Christmas tree syndrome." What exactly is that, you might ask?
Well, it's when a person develops increased allergy and asthmas symptoms around Christmas tree, whether it is a real or a fake tree.
Maggie Mundwiller has experienced these symptoms before, and she's not the only one. Allergist Dr. Zachary Rubin says it's estimated "as high as about 7 to 10% of people" experience this.
He went on to say that many people are allergic to the scent of a real Christmas tree, and with fake ones, they could accumulate dust when kept and reused over the years. For those trees, it's suggested to dust them to minimize the possibility of an allergic reaction.
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For real trees, experts suggest giving it a good shake and even hosing it down with water and letting it dry completely before brining it inside your home.
"I'll wipe each individual needle with soap and water using q-tips," one person added. "It takes about 100 hours but it works."
*Disclaimer: The advice on LittleThings.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
