Do You Have Christmas Tree Syndrome?

BOSTON (CBS) - If you get watery eyes and an itchy nose when the Christmas tree comes inside your home, you may have Christmas Tree Syndrome.

Some people can have an allergic reaction to their tree, according to Dr. Jonathan Lee, the medical director at AFC/Doctors Express in Dedham.

"Direct skin contact with a Christmas tree and also being exposed to aerosolized components of the tree, that would be similar to pollen in the spring and/or just the resins that exist on the tree, which are aromatic and give off various odors," he told WBZ NewsRadio 1030.

Dr. Lee wants to raise awareness of the syndrome, so that people don't confuse their cold-like symptoms with the common cold.

He says if artificial trees are out of the question, consider limiting your exposure to the real thing.

"There's no sense in tempting fate. People who know that they have severe allergies should probably avoid purchasing a live tree. But if they do, probably the best thing to do, again, is limit the exposure and keep the tree in the house for perhaps no more than seven days," Lee said.

If you have an artificial tree, it should be wiped of dust if it's been stored an attic or basement.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Diane Stern reports

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