Call me the Grinch, but I'm here to let you know that if you've been itching or sneezing in tandem with holiday decorating, there's a chance you could be allergic to your Christmas tree. The good news is that there are a couple of things you can do about it.
 |  | By Anisa Arsenault, Associate Editorial Director | | | Happy Tuesday! I'm feeling particularly holly and jolly since we put up our Chritsmas tree over the weekend. | | | Today's Top Story | | Is It Possible To Be Allergic to Christmas Trees? |  | Call me the Grinch, but I'm here to let you know that if you've been itching or sneezing in tandem with holiday decorating, there's a chance you could be allergic to your Christmas tree. The good news is that there are a couple of things you can do about it.
If you have a real tree, the culprits of your allergies are most likely mold, dust, or pollen. You can partially remove some of the debris by shaking out your tree ahead of setting it up. If you have access to a hose, you might even consider spraying it down.
A true pine allergy is uncommon. But if you know you are allergic to pine and have your heart set on a real tree, consider seeking out a cypress, fir, or spruce tree instead.
If you have an artificial Christmas tree, know that they can also harbor allergy-triggering dust and mold. Your best bet is to simply dust it off and wipe it down. Some fake trees are made with PVC, which can emit lung-irritating toxins through a process called "off-gassing." (While this sounds scary, off-gassing is generally harmless to your long-term health and just a smelly result of the manufacturing process.) But if your tree is made with polyethylene (PE) instead of PVC, this is less likely. | | Know More | | Leyland cypress trees don't produce any pollen. This type of sterile tree is most common in the southeastern part of the county. | | Feel Better | | As long as you do your best to keep your tree clean upon setup, it probably won't give you many problems from now until Christmas. | | |  | | Like many of us, the Verywell Health Medical Advisory Board is conflicted about holiday gatherings. Half would steer clear of parties where a guest is unvaccinated against COVID-19. About half also say if they were the host, they would require guests to take a COVID test ahead of time. |  |  | | How to Safely Install Christmas Lights | | Every year, holiday lights are responsible for about 800 home fires, and Christmas trees cause over 100 more. To prevent yourself from becoming a statistic, consider brushing up on a few basic safety tips. For example, make sure your string lights aren't cracked or frayed before plugging them in. If you're buying new lights this year, opt for LED bulbs, which emit less heat. And yes, whether you use indoors versus outdoor lights really does matter; they can withstand different temperatures. | | | | 6 Skincare Products Ideal for Winter Eczema | | If you have eczema, dry winter air can trigger a flare by disrupting the skin's barrier. Verywell writer Daley Quinn has experienced this firsthand. But a few products have brought her relief. Here, she shares the topical items that have helped her the most, like Gladskin brand eczema cream. | | | | | |  | | In an interview with Verywell, dermatologist Esther E. Freeman, PhD, MD, shares her preferred treatment for eczema. |  | | The best eczema treatment results come from ointments, because they have the highest percentage of oil. | |  |  | Esther E. Freeman, PhD, MD,
Director of global dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital
| | | Keep Reading | | | ■ | NYC Announces First-In-The-Nation Vaccine Mandate For Private Companies. CBS New York | | | | | ■ | How to Care Less About Work. The Atlantic | | | | | ■ | How to Navigate a "Revenge Christmas" While Protecting Your Mental Wellbeing. Stylist | | | | | | | |  |     | You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Verywell Health newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here.
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