What are the symptoms of Christmas tree syndrome?
Daniel Rodriguez
Published Mar 15, 2026
What are the symptoms of Christmas tree syndrome?
Dubbed ‘Christmas Tree Syndrome’, symptoms of this festive health complaint include itchy noses, watery eyes, wheezing, coughing, chest pains, and insomnia, and can affect adults, children and even babies alike.
How do I know if I’m allergic to my Christmas tree?
Itchy, red bumps when you string lights on your real Christmas tree. A stuffy nose when you bring pine inside your home in December. More frequent use of an asthma inhaler over the holidays.
Can a dead Christmas tree make you sick?
Turns out, they may actually be experiencing Christmas tree syndrome, an allergic reaction to mold spores that hang around live trees. It’s hard to believe a beautifully trimmed tree that fills your home with the smell of fresh pine could make your family sick, but it’s not a totally uncommon occurrence.
Can Christmas trees cause allergic reactions?
Did you know that you could be allergic to Christmas trees? More precisely, it’s pine trees that can cause allergic reactions, including itchy and reddish eyes, sneezing, a rash, or sometimes more serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing.
Can my Christmas tree give me a sore throat?
Artificial trees need to be stored properly in boxes or plastic bags to eliminate mold and dust. If you’re already dealing with the issue, allergy medications and air purifiers will help ease symptoms. A runny nose and itchy throat this time of year could be caused by your Christmas tree.
Can a Christmas tree give you a sore throat?
Pine nut allergies are much like other tree nut allergies in that they can cause anaphylactic reactions. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe and include: Tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing. Swelling of the tongue, throat, nose and lips.
What does allergy to pine trees look like?
Symptoms of pine pollen allergies are much like “hay fever” and typically include: Itchy tearing red eyes. Bags under the eyes. Runny nose with or without sneezing and congestion.
How did I get contact dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is caused by a substance you’re exposed to that irritates your skin or triggers an allergic reaction. The substance could be one of thousands of known allergens and irritants. Some of these substances may cause both irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.
Should you rinse off your Christmas tree?
Good idea, some experts say. Hosing off a live tree or wiping off an artificial one are two ways to keep allergens at bay during the holidays.
Do real Christmas trees have mold?
“The trees themselves most likely have mold spores and pollen on them that are brought into the home,” Carver said in an email. “Mold grows in warm, humid environments, and sometimes the inside of your home provides the perfect conditions to encourage mold growth.”
What are the most common tree allergies?
Some of the worst tree allergens include:
- alder.
- ash.
- beech.
- birch.
- box elder.
- cedar.
- cottonwood.
- date palm.
How is Christmas tree syndrome treated?
Treatment options
- antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- hydrocortisone anti-itch cream.
- lukewarm oatmeal baths.