ARE YOU ALLERGIC TO CHRISTMAS?

Don’t let seasonal sickness hold you back from having fun in the festive season

With Slade’s Merry Christmas Everybody playing in all the shops, combined with the stress of finding a turkey before they sell out, it’s little surprise that not everyone loves the festive season.

But what happens if it actually makes you sick? It’s meant to be the most wonderful time of the year but, for over a third of Brits*, the festivities can cause hay fever-like symptoms, with many complaining of coughs and sneezes near the tree or rashes around the decorations.

So, if you’re about to ‘deck the halls’, here’s how to avoid any festive flare-ups...

Dust your decorations

It might sound obvious, but giving your candles, baubles and wreaths a good clean can make a big difference to allergy sufferers. ‘Most people’s Christmas decorations spend 11 months of the year stored away, making them a source of dust,’ explains Sonia Khan, senior pharmacist at Medicine Direct.

‘When you unpack them, make sure to wipe them down with a damp cloth before hanging them.’

Blow out the candles

One way to make your home feel festive is to light a scented candle. Pine, cinnamon, orange and gingerbread are popular picks, but it could leave your guests unhappy.