am i allergic to christmas trees?

Question

since we got ours my hands have been itchy at times and rashy!!!!

Answer 1

I'm allergic to work

Answer 2

I'm allergic to ALL evergreen trees, but it's a 'rhino-allergy' (I get very 'stuffed up' and my nose runs clear mucus) but I have seen some people who get the 'itchy rashy' allergic reaction to evergreen trees, too. If you don't get 'itchy rashy' when you are outdoors in the evergreens, though, you should be 'safe' as long as you WASH THOROUGHLY and DO NOT TOUCH THE TREE, since it's a 'tactile allergy' and not a rhino-allergy. It also could be just that the weather is cold and the air is dry and your hands have been in and out of water and are 'itchy and rashy' because of that ... in which case, after you have THOROUGHLY CLEANED your hands, you should apply some 'deep moisturizing lotion' ... and 'increase the humidity' in the rooms you spend the most time in with bowls of water, fish tanks, vases, etc. And REPLACE the water EVERY DAY so the humidity stays higher during this 'cold weather.' And have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Answer 3

You could be. I am, but for me it manifests in my throat - dry and irritated. There might be some of the itchy, watery eyes too, but it's been so long since I've been around a real one I'm not sure. I haven't touched a fir tree in so long I don't know how I'd react.

I'm also allergic to the cat litters that use pine in them. Found out the hard way. No idea why I didn't think of that before I bought it...

Answer 4

You're most likely allergic have you touched the tree itself or have you just been around it? sometimes there are levels of allergic reactions such as rashes. I am allergic to Christmas trees and it just so happens when i'm ever around a real Christmas tree I sneeze and when I touch it I get a rash. So most likely you're allergic but the best way to find out that you are is to go get an allergy test.

Answer 5

Maybe next year you should try a different type of tree. Talk to the sales person and tell them that you had an allergic reaction to the tree from this year and would like one that would hopefully not cause the same reaction.

-- They had a special on the news when they started selling trees for the season.

Answer 6

Its a possibility. I am allergic to some trees, but I am only affected by their pollen, or by ingesting the smoke if they are burned. Try some hydrocortisone cream. I dont know where you are located, but cold weather can also cause parts of your body to become itchy and red. Especially if they are exposed when you go outside. Make sure to always wear gloves!
The only way to tell if you are allergic is to see an allergist.

Answer 7

I'm allergic to Christmas trees. Its hard to tell because symptoms can be different for anyone. I get a runny nose and what my parents call raccoon eyes. Those are where you get a totally pale complexion with dark purple spots under your eyes. I can feel totally fine when I get these but I usually am not. Ask a professional doctor NOT on any website. Go to your normal check up doctor and let him know.

Answer 8

This is a fairly well-documented allergy. It's actually the pine resin (turpentine) in the sap and needles that you are allergic to. Wear gardening gloves when handling, decorating and dismantling the tree, then get an artificial tree next year.

Answer 9

Yup you are allergic to pine trees, well the pollen or sap. Anyways, your going to want to switch to artificial. You could also get an allergy test to be sure.

Answer 10

You very well could possibly be....
Read this...
http://allergies.about.com/b/2007/12/04/christmas-tree-allergy.htm

I think this is why I bought a fake one this year. They made me itchy