Allergic to the holidays?

A blog post by Dr. Tara Federly (Allergist at Cornerstone Pediatrics and Family Allergy)

The holiday season is meant to be a joyous time of the year, but for some their Christmas tree can cause non-stop sneezing or coughing. Most would believe this is an allergic reaction to the pine tree itself but in reality the reaction is to microscopic mold spores on the tree. Even artificial trees can cause allergy symptoms for some. Artificial trees have more dust and can also have mold spores if stored in a damp basement.

So what is the solution to keep the holidays cheerful and bright? If you have trouble with allergies around your Christmas tree, here are a few simple things you can do next year. If you have a real tree, make sure to shake the tree outside to remove as much debris as possible or use a leaf blower to blow off debris. It may also help to wipe around the tree trunk with a solution of 1 part bleach to 20 parts lukewarm water to remove mold spores. For others an artificial tree may be the way to go, but make sure to store the tree in a sealed plastic bag in a dry spot. Breath easy and enjoy the holidays!