Sorry you had that bad experience Sue. Are you sure it is an allergic reaction and not just from the roughness of the branches? I just bought a fake tree this year and thought it was sort of rough on my hands while "fluffing" each branch. Either way, you are right, a nice fitting pair of cotton gloves isn't a bad idea. Hope your's looks beautiful and was worth the irritation. ;o) Luvs

I'm the same as laurenk - we have to put up an artificial tree because I'm allergic to real pine trees. It's a real bummer for me because I loved the whole special event of going to cut down a real tree with our cousins, and the wonderful smell in the house! I agree with the others - wear garden gloves when you "fluff" out the branches. You may be allergice to the coloring or material used to make your tree.

I read somewhere ... sorry, can't remember where...to wash the artifical trees to remove dust. I'd never thought of that, but it makes sense....we box/bag them up, toss in the attic or garage, drag'm out next year. Why wouldn't they get dirty?

I also read - possibly the same place - to wear gloves w/ the fake trees. I tried it this year at home and the office. What a difference!! I was pleasantly surprised. Hope the gloves/lotion suggestions help you. It's never a good time for dry, itchy, blotchy skin and especially so when there's so much to do!

We have had an artificial tree for many years because of my allergies. This year as I walked into my daughter's home, I was almost knocked over by the smell of their new artificial tree. I was definitely allergic to it and I could not have slept in that house. I don't know if the smell will slowly dissipate because it is new? So, I guess you can have an allergy to the artificial ones also....

Well, most of the hives and red spots are gone now. But a few are slightly infected (so itchy, I scratched them in my sleep). The tree is from China, so who knows what is on it re: dust, chemicals, etc. This wasn't just redness from being scraped, there was obvious hives/welts and they were very itchy. I'll wear gloves next year, or get DH to do it (...I can dream, can't I?).

Honestly, I think a fake tree is a lot more work than a real one. I can't believe how long it took to fluff this tree. But the real one can stick around much longer. I won't even begin to take down decorations until the first weekend in January.

I was handling some fake pine garland in the store the other day and I got itchy red spots! They didn't last long, were gone by the time I left the store, but were very uncomfortable while they were there!

I put up 3 artificial trees this year, and no reaction. Could it be a chemical reaction Sue? That is terrible. I did get a reaction to one of those Mr. Clean Magic erasers while cleaning the woodwork, so I know I am senstitive. When I taught school all those years and they switched from white to yellow chalk, my hand would break out immediately...so it had to be the color. So I am thinking the dye used in your particular tree.
I bought a new 7.5 ft. prelit tree in an urn this year, and it was pretty easy to fluff, thank goodness!

Sue,
When I was having my allergy tests the lady doing the tests told me that she had to get her husband to take the fake tree outside and spray it down to get the dust off. Try that and see if it helps. We bought the tree with the lights already on it and I would be scared to hose it down. I'm glad your hands are doing better. Good idea to wear gloves.
Betty

One time I had a reaction to a new box of trash bags purchased from a janitorial supply co - I got itchy, swelling hands anytime I touched one.
I'd had used this brand many times previously and never had a bit of trouble.
What we figured out is that the box may have contained the residue from insect spray - very possible with you tree.
Ordered another box of same and many more thru the yrs - never had that problem again.

Just a thought - touch the outside of the box and see what happens and then if you get a reaction dispose of the box. Eventually it will disappear from the tree too.

I am allergic to FAKE christmas trees too! Everybody thinks its so weird. My reaction is to get itchy everywhere! Last year I took 2 showers and was still itchy. My brother is also allergic and his eyes start watering and are bright red. But I'm not allergicto real one! ??????

I’m allergic to fake trees too!!!! I had forgotten that years ago we had a fake tree and I had big welts all over my arms after putting it up. So for years after that we went out and got real trees and I had no problem. This year we picked up a beautiful fake tree because it’s just too hard getting a real one home and lo and behold, I am having a reaction. It’s not just on my arms this time. My face feels swollen and itchy! It’s now in the air!!! Sure is pretty though...

We have had our fake tree for 20 years, store it in a tight tote, and it still looks brand new. I’ve put our tree together every year without a problem, but this year I broke out in hives and itched all over! I don’t understand why?!?

Yes I do also

I am experiencing the same thing, that's why I searched and found this thread of everyone experiencing the same thing. I have a skin reaction on my hands and my knuckles are swollen, and itchy after fluffing my tree and putting ribbon on it. I have always had an allergy to adhesives, surgical tape etc. Through the years I've become more sensitive, even a normal bandaid would leave an outline on my skin. My medical file has since been changed now to surgical staples too, so perhaps the metal in the branches of the tree were the problem.

Yes! I have the same reaction. My hands itch and burn when fluffing the branches! So weird!

Yes that happened to me only my rash all over my body and hands are swollen with horrible rash

my throat closes up, not only when I handle the fake tree but also the fake wreaths. I have to wear a mask and I doubt it's dust because they are all new. I really think there is something to the theory that they are treated with bug spray. That would make sense for me anyway.

That happens because artificial trees have a chemical that irritates skin.

Though is does not happen to me.

I have found my tribe! I only searched this because I thought I was the only one! I have to have family member assemble and touch the tree now. If I have to, I wear gloves.

I can't even be in the same room with artificial trees, wreathes and garland or my eyes will start watering and itch (I'm fine after about 30 mins of leaving the area). If I touch them I break out in an itchy rash and my hands, wrist and arms will swell. I'm not sure what it is that causes it. I try and stay away from anything made with that material (which is pvc) sure makes it hard to shop in person for other Christmas decorations with that stuff around.

Well, I just gave my daughter In law my artificial tree and I helped her for a minute while she was setting it up and yep, I’m still allergic. Ankles are itching 😂

Put my tree up last night with help from a friend. Itchy, hive like blisters at my wrists. I’ve recently done allergy testing and was told i have eczema. Didn’t realize that was a fancy way of saying contact dermatitis til tonight. 😮 As i’m a sleep scratcher i have already rubbed these things raw and decided to search for this topic. I didn’t realize there were so many different types of ”eczema”, and I’m a nurse. It all makes total sense now. So glad i found y’all here. Will definitely go with the gloves/long sleeves for tear down and hopefully remember for next season

I have been making seasonal wreaths with artificial flowers on grapevine and sawdust rings. I'm having the worst reactions to my face neck and shoulders. After the first episode, I'm wearing long sleeves and gloves over fingerless gloves. How is this possible?!