The holiday season is an exciting time of year for many, but this time of year can also be triggering for allergies. However, if you’re aware of potential triggers, it will be easier to avoid them and go all in on holiday fun.
Holiday Wreaths and Trees
Holiday greenery is an important part of the holiday season for many. But live trees and wreaths can potentially trigger allergies in several ways, including:
- Some live trees may have microscopic mold spores.
- Some trees and wreaths contain substances in their sap that may trigger skin allergies.
You can avoid these allergens by using an artificial tree or letting your live tree dry in a garage for a week and shaking it out before bringing it inside.
Wood-Burning Fireplaces
Winter is the perfect time to cozy up in front of the fireplace at home. However, if you have a wood-burning fireplace, the smoke may aggravate your allergies. If you have the option, an electric fireplace provides warmth without any pesky smoke.
Holiday Decor
Decorating for the holidays can be a fun activity—especially if you take the proper steps to make sure nothing triggers your allergies.
As you take your decorations from storage, make sure they haven’t accumulated any dust. Make sure to avoid inhaling anything when spraying artificial snow and flocking. Additionally, consider using flameless candles rather than scented ones.
Seasonal Treats
Holiday dinners are exciting, but those with food allergies need to pay extra attention to which ingredients are in meals. Always ask if you’re unsure about what you’re eating, and consider turning down treats with unknown ingredients.
Make an Appointment with an Allergist
If allergy symptoms are getting in the way of your holiday festivities, the team at Charleston ENT & Allergy can help. We’ll perform an allergy test to determine what triggers your symptoms and get you started with a customized treatment plan.