Christmas Tree Terpene Allergies

Filed in archive Skin Allergies on December 16, 2008

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Gabor Izso

This is the third year I'm writing about allergies to Christmas trees, but hey, I've learned something new.

So you've driven your tree round the block before bringing it in. You even used a leaf blower. Or perhaps a veggie wash. Good, that shakes most of the mold spores and pollens away, and may help reduce your Christmas tree allergies. But that's assuming you're allergic to these. Apparently, some people who are allergic to terpene, a compound found in the sap of evergreen trees and wreaths, and develops skin rashes upon contact to the sap and resins.

To enjoy a real Christmas tree without breaking in hives and rashes, wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt when handling and decorating your tree and wreaths. For more tips on copign with allergies to Christmas trees, whether real of artificial, check out this article.