by Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy
Photo by Julianna Arjes on Unsplash
https://unsplash.com/@jmarjes?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText
It might surprise you to know that allergies have been reported to many of the typical Christmas traditions we know and love.
Could you be allergic to the Christmas tree, the poinsettia, the Christmas cactus, perfumed candles, various Christmas foods, common gifts such as mobile phones and laptops, frankincense, myrrh, or pollen?
Christmas tree syndrome
Around 7% of the population – who are already allergy sufferers – are allergic to Christmas trees. The tree contains a number of possible antigens which trigger allergy symptoms, such as dust, mould and pollen. This is sometimes called Christmas tree syndrome. Christmas tree allergy symptoms include sneezing. Coughing, having runny itchy eyes, urticaria (hives) or even worsening asthma, after the Christmas tree is brought into the house.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) regards a (mould) spore count over 500 or more per cubic metre as being too high for good health. In one study, within days of the tree being brought into the house, the spore count started to rise, and by two weeks was producing 5000 spores per cubic metre! In another study, when scientists analysed 23 different samples of tree bark and pine needles, they found 53 different types of mould including Aspergillus, Penicillium and Cladosporium.
Pine trees also harbour pollens including Ragweed and grass pollen, which are released into the air when the tree is brought into the house.
Pine trees also produce a sap called colophony – or rosin. This is a recognised cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Sufferers need to avoid any pine products including not sitting on a pine toilet seat! If your hands are red, itchy or blistered after putting up the Christmas tree, this could be the explanation!
- Is it time for an artificial tree this Christmas?
Poinsettia allergy
Natural rubber latex and the Christmas plant, Poinsettia, both contain some very similar proteins. Hence anyone with a latex allergy may have similar symptoms from being in contact with a Poinsettia. In babies, Poinsettia has been shown to cause allergic dermatitis, and there are a few rare cases of anaphylactic shock.
- If you are an atopic family, it may be advisable to avoid Poinsettias this Christmas!
Christmas cactus allergy
Cacti have multiple small tufts of short, barbed hairs called glochidia. These are easily transferred as you brush past, or by contact with clothes or pets. The barbs lodge in the skin, causing an unpleasant skin reaction. This results in intense skin irritation, and can develop into granulomatous dermatitis. Researchers have also identified evidence of an allergic reaction in those who have had skin prick testing with cactus antigens. Occupational dermatitis is recognised in those who work in the cactus industry.
- Maybe a Christmas cactus is not such a good idea for allergy sufferers this Christmas?
Perfumed candles
Many people may not realise that the beautiful aroma of Christmas candles is not so appealing to us all. 1 in 5 people report symptoms from inhaling the aroma of perfumed candles, such as sneezing, runny and itchy eyes, headaches and sinus pain, urticaria (hives), coughing and wheezing. Here’s the reason – the synthetic smell is created by thousands of chemicals, any of which could cause an allergy when inhaled.
- Perhaps this year, choose beeswax or soy candles or go for aromatherapy candles which get their aroma from natural, plant-based products
Christmas food
For food allergy sufferers, Christmas is a very tricky time. You need to take great care to avoid forbidden foods which may be hidden. Here are some examples –
Nuts – These are commonly sprinkled over vegetables or mixed into stuffings. Nut oils may be used for cooking. Nut flavourings may be added to hot drinks or liquors. Christmas puddings, mince pies, trifles and other puddings, chocolate, and sauces may all contain nuts.
Cow’s milk – This is often used to make sauces, such as bread, cheese or brandy sauce, or used in puddings.
Eggs – These are used in many different recipes, even in stuffing or on pastry as a glaze.
Gluten – This may be in stuffing, sausages, sauces and gravies, and sometimes vegetables are coated in flour before roasting.
Alcohol – Many Christmas foods contain alcohol – it’s often added to Christmas cake, mince pies, trifle, and gravy.
- If you suffer from a food allergy, take extra care about what you are eating this Christmas.
Mobile phone and computer allergy
Have you heard of electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EMH)? Electromagnetic radiation is given out from electronic devices such as WiFi routers, computers, mobile phones and microwave ovens. This is said to cause symptoms in sensitive individuals, including headaches, sleep disorders, memory problems, skin rashes, and muscle pains. Medical research in this area has not produced concrete proof of the condition, however, it has not been completely ruled out either.
Mobile phones and their cases contain plastics, dyes, and sometimes latex – all of which can cause allergies, with the full spectrum of symptoms.
- Take care this Christmas to stay away from electromagnetic radiation, if you think this may have caused you symptoms.
Frankincense and myrrh allergy
Frankincense and myrrh are commonly used essential oils for fragrancing the home at Christmas.
Frankincense is extracted from the sap of the Boswellia serrata tree. Frankincense allergy has been reported and can result in urticaria (hives) as well as a range of other allergy symptoms. Myrrh is also a recognised cause of allergic contact dermatitis.
- Why not try fragrancing your home with flowers this Christmas – such as winter-flowering iris or honeysuckle?