Could You Have a Christmas Tree Allergy?

Does setting up your Christmas tree make you sneeze or feel short of breath? Or do you get an itchy rash on your hands and arms after putting up your Christmas tree? These symptoms aren’t a coincidence — they could be signs you’re allergic to your Christmas tree. 

Here’s why Christmas trees can cause allergies, asthma, and rashes — and what you can do to stay comfortable this holiday season. 

What is Christmas tree syndrome?

Christmas tree syndrome is when you develop allergic symptoms to your Christmas tree. You may notice respiratory symptoms like sneezing or itchy eyes. Or you may develop a rash on your hands. In some people, it can even trigger an asthma flare.

Typically, tree pollen isn’t to blame for Christmas tree allergies. When you bring a tree indoors, you’re also bringing in a host of potential allergens that live in nature, from mold to that strong pine fragrance, and even poison ivy. 

What are the symptoms of Christmas tree allergies?

Symptoms of Christmas tree allergies are similar to seasonal allergy symptoms. If you’re allergic to your Christmas tree, you may experience:

• Sneezing

• Runny nose

• Itchy nose

• Itchy or watery eyes

• Throat irritation from postnasal drip

Christmas tree allergies can also lead to itchy rashes. These rashes are a sign of contact dermatitis, a type of skin allergy. 

And Christmas tree allergies can worsen underlying asthma or trigger an asthma flare. This can lead to symptoms like:

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

• Rapid breathing

• Wheezing

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How does a live Christmas tree trigger your allergies?

There are several ways a live Christmas tree can trigger existing allergies or cause a new allergy to flare up. Here are the common culprits. 

Mold

Mold is a type of fungus. Fungi live everywhere in nature. It’s almost certain that your live Christmas tree has mold spores on it. One study found that mold spores in the air increased by more than six-fold after setting up a live Christmas tree in an apartment.

Many people are allergic to live mold spores, and even a small number of them can set off allergies or asthma. 

Fragrance

The fresh pine scent of a Christmas tree can make your home smell lovely during the holidays. That scent comes from a substance called terpene, which is found in the sap of pine trees. 

While terpenes smell nice, these chemicals can also irritate your skin and cause contact dermatitis. This type of skin allergy happens when your skin reacts to natural or human-made chemicals. Contact dermatitis causes an itchy, red rash on the parts of your skin that come in direct contact with those chemicals. 

When setting up your Christmas tree, you may come into contact with pine sap and terpene. If you’re sensitive to terpenes, you may develop uncomfortable symptoms like a rash. And that reaction can get worse with repeat exposures. That means your rash might get worse every time you come in contact with pine sap. 

Dust mites 

Dust mites are tiny insects that feed on dead skin cells. They’re usually found indoors and in spaces like ductwork, but they can also live outdoors. Dust mites can trigger allergies and asthma in some people. 

Dust mites can live on any object, including live Christmas trees. When you bring a Christmas tree into your home, you’re also bringing in some dust mites. Unlike clothes or furniture, you can’t clean a Christmas tree to remove all the mites. If you’re very sensitive to dust mites, your tree could trigger your allergies. 

Poison ivy

Poison ivy is a plant that contains a resin called urushiol. Most people are allergic to this resin, which can cause an itchy, red rash if it touches your skin. 

Many people think poison ivy is only around in the summer. But that’s not true. Poison ivy leaves may die back in the winter as the plant rests, but the urushiol is active year-round. And poison ivy loves pine trees. Whether you’re cutting down your own tree or picking up a precut one, it’s possible the trunk of your tree was recently encircled by poison ivy. When the poison ivy gets pulled or cut off, urushiol can get left behind on the Christmas tree trunk. It can then get on your hands or clothes as you set up your tree. 

Since urushiol spreads very easily, it’s a good idea to wear gloves when handling your tree to avoid a rash. 

Flocking 

Spraying artificial snow or “flocking” your tree can also irritate your lungs. Flocking releases small particles into the air, which can irritate your airways and trigger asthma or allergies. Technically, this isn’t your Christmas tree’s fault, but it could be another reason your allergies act up when you set up your tree. 

Can tree pollen cause Christmas tree allergies?

No. A common misconception is that the pine tree pollen is the major trigger for a Christmas tree allergy. But pine trees make pollen in the springtime. By the time Christmas comes around in the Northern hemisphere, trees make very little pollen. 

Pine pollen also doesn’t tend to trigger allergies the way other types of tree pollen do. Pine pollen is larger and heavier than other tree pollen. That means it doesn’t hang in the air, and you can’t breathe it in as easily. So, pine pollen isn’t likely to trigger allergies or asthma. 

How to treat a Christmas tree rash

"Christmas tree rash" is a common nickname for two different things. Most commonly, it describes the itchy, red skin irritation (contact dermatitis) you get from touching your tree. Sometimes, it’s used to describe a harmless, unrelated condition called pityriasis rosea. This condition has nothing to do with actual Christmas trees, but gets its nickname because the rash often appears in the shape of a pine tree.

Most rashes from a live Christmas tree are caused by allergens like mold, dust mites, or poison ivy. If you have a mild allergic skin reaction, here’s what you can do at home to get some relief:

• Resist scratching: Though you may want to, do your best to avoid scratching the rash. Scratching can worsen irritation and inflammation and put you at risk of infection.

• Calamine lotion: People have been using calamine lotion to relieve itching for a long time. That’s because it works well and fast. When it dries on your skin, it creates a cooling sensation that can quickly relieve itching.

• Apply a cold compress: Ice packs and cold compresses can help soothe skin inflammation and itching. Just make sure to put a cloth or towel between the compress and your skin.

• Try an oatmeal bath: If you have a rash from Christmas syndrome on many areas of your body, an oatmeal bath can be a convenient way to address the different areas. You can make an oatmeal bath at home or buy a product with colloidal oatmeal and add it to your bath water.

If you have severe symptoms or your rash covers a large or sensitive part of your body, like your face, hands, or genitals, it’s best to see a healthcare professional. They can make sure you get the correct diagnosis and treatment.

What can I take to stop Christmas tree allergy symptoms?

If your tree is already up and you’re having symptoms, you may need to take allergy medications. Options include: 

• Saline rinses to help flush allergens out of your nose and sinuses 

• Over-the-counter (OTC) oral antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra for nasal symptoms

• OTC nasal steroid sprays like Flonase, Afrin, or Nasacort for nasal symptoms

• OTC antihistamine eye drops like Pataday or Zaditor for itchy eyes

• OTC topical steroid creams like hydrocortisone 1% for rashes

Call your primary care provider if you have asthma and notice your asthma symptoms are getting worse. You may need additional treatment to help you get over your Christmas tree allergy. 

What can you do to prevent a Christmas tree allergy?

If you’re set on having a live Christmas tree in your home, there are some things you can do to lower your risk of triggering your allergies.

Clean your tree

Spray down your tree with a hose and let it dry in a garage or covered porch for a few days before bringing it indoors. This can help remove any mold, insect droppings, or other debris. You can also use a leaf blower to remove dust and pollen that are clinging to the tree. Consider wearing a mask and eye protection while cleaning.

Wear gloves

If you get a rash after putting up your tree, you’re probably allergic to poison ivy or terpenes. Wearing gloves while setting up your tree can stop these chemicals from touching your skin and causing an allergic reaction. You should also wear long sleeves, pants, and socks. 

Make sure to wash all your clothing after setting up your tree because allergens can get onto your clothes and then your skin. Avoid touching your face while setting up your tree. 

Decorate wisely 

Choose ornaments and tree decor that won’t trigger your allergies. Avoid sprays, aerosols, and other products that create fumes or fragrance. 

Frequently asked questions

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Written by:

Merin Kuruvilla, MD

Merin Kuruvilla, MD, is a board-certified allergist/immunologist at Emory University in Atlanta. She has authored several peer-reviewed publications in the field.

Edited by:

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN, is a California-based registered nurse and staff medical editor at GoodRx, where he focuses on clinical updates and Latino health.

Reviewed by:

Farzon A. Nahvi, MD

Farzon Nahvi, MD, is an emergency medicine physician and author of “Code Gray: Death, Life, and Uncertainty in the ER.” He works at Concord Hospital in Concord, New Hampshire, and teaches at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.

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