Have yourself a sneeze-free Christmas

Christmas is a fun season for most of us but if you’re unlucky enough to suffer from Christmas Tree Syndrome it can turn out to be a misery. Christmas Tree Syndrome is an allergy to your Christmas tree and sets off hay fever-like symptoms in the sufferer such as sneezing, a runny nose and watery eyes.

 Scientists from Upstate Medical University analysed clippings from 28 Christmas trees including needles and bark, from a range of species, and found that they housed a staggering 53 different types of mould! In addition, pollen from other trees also gets lodged in the bark. And there can be dust and mould present on synthetic trees too.

Luckily there are things you can do to help, as airborne allergens expert, Max Wiseberg explains…

“Put your tree up as late as possible to help minimise the risk of exposure to allergens.”

“Hose down your tree before taking it into the house, or after getting it out of storage, as this can help remove some of the mould and spores – though it’s probably best to get someone who isn’t allergic to do this!”

“Take care when you’re decorating your tree, or get someone else to do it, as allergens will be disturbed as you move the tree into position and move the branches to hang the decorations and position the lights.”

“Regularly apply an allergen barrier balm such as HayMax  around your nostrils to help stop the allergens getting up your nose. HayMax organic, drug-free allergen barrier balm has been proven in independent studies to trap both indoor and outdoor airborne allergens from entering the body. If this keeps a sufferer below their trigger level, they will have no allergic reaction.”

“Use an air purifier to help clear the air of mould particles.”

“Damp dust and vacuum regularly. Damp dusting helps to stop the dust from being dispersed back into the air.”

“Keep cuddly toys and blankets in a cupboard to prevent the build-up of allergens on them.”

“Keep animals clean and well groomed, to reduce allergens from their fur. And keep them out of the room where you sleep.”