Be Careful of The Holiday Allergies: Here’s What You Need to Know

By | December 12, 2020

It’s that time of the year again, although we all know that celebrating the Christmas season will be way different than years before. Nonetheless, there should be no reason why we should not celebrate the Holidays this year despite the ongoing pandemic.

There is no denying the fact of how it has been stressful this year mainly due to COVID-19. Millions have already died from all over the world. Those who have allergies can also be at higher risk of contracting this disease. Speaking of allergies, it is better to find an allergy doctor if you are allergic to something. Allergy testing helps in determining the root cause of your allergic reactions and get proper treatment.

It’s the season again… for allergies

We all know how busy this Holiday season is. From preparing gifts to decorating the Christmas tree, it is something that everyone also looks forward to. Unfortunately, not everyone also might not be looking forward to this season due to seasonal allergies.

Yes, some people experience allergies during Christmas. If you are one of them, you should hire the best allergy specialist doctor for your allergy treatment needs. But this doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy the season anymore due to these common seasonal allergies.

Here are some common allergy culprits that you should know. It can be anything from pet dander, mold and mildew, dust, and even your Christmas tree. But this article should also help you beat these seasonal allergens and enjoy the season as everyone should.

Common Christmas allergies

You might be wondering why allergens are very common during the holidays. For one thing, indoor allergies are common during Christmas because we are often inside our home. This means the windows are shut and the heating system is constantly on. So, the indoor air circulates inside the room together with possible allergens like dust, mold, and pet dander.

Then again, you need to determine what is causing your allergies. Or in this case, Christmas-related allergies. You should consult an allergist doctor if you experience common allergy symptoms. Here are these common allergens present during the Holidays.

Christmas tree/décor

According to some studies, more than 50 kinds of molds are present on Christmas trees, most of which are leaf molds. These allergens would thrive indoors where central heating is working 24/7. These can cause non-stop sneezing or asthma attacks.

Balloons

Balloons are often made of latex which is also a type of allergen. Those who are allergic to it often experience skin irritations or even breathing difficulties in the worst cases. It can also be a choking hazard, especially to young children.

Gifts

While it’s the thought that should count, some gifts could also cause the inevitable allergic reactions. Some have cosmetic allergies which are present on perfumes and makeup. Meanwhile, some are allergic to jewelry especially if it is made from nickel.

How to get rid of Christmas allergens

Different types of allergens affect millions of people all over the world. If you experience symptoms of allergies, make sure to visit a trusted allergy doctor to help manage your allergic reactions. Allergy testing may also be necessary to determine the root cause of your allergies.

  • Instead of latex balloons, opt for foil helium balloons. There are shops online that offer these special types of balloons.
  • Avoid perfumes or any beauty products that contain ingredients such as benzene, propyl, or methyl as these can also cause allergic reactions. Some products made from essential oils can also cause allergies and should not be used by pregnant women.
  • Opt for jewelry alternatives such as sterling silver, gold, or any nickel-free material.
  • Dust off the Christmas tree and décor before assembling them. Opt for plastic, glass, or metal Christmas décor to lessen the risk of them attracting dust mites. Choose artificial trees instead of real ones.
  • Watch out for common food allergens being served on your Christmas table. Cheese, peanuts, seafood, or any other food item, make sure to know your specific food allergies (or if you have guests or family members who have one). Better yet, do not serve these and opt for other alternatives instead.

Keep your family safe from Christmas allergies

You can also invest in an air purifier to maintain the healthy and clean air quality in your home. Consult a professional allergist in Manassas VA to help manage your allergy symptoms and ensure proper treatment.