Unwrapping Allergies: Hidden Holiday Triggers

There’s nothing better than gift giving during the holiday season. But what if your gifts trigger allergic reactions? Midwest ENT Consultants understands that buying gifts for friends and family with allergies requires special consideration.

From playful pets to perfume and poinsettias, here are a few gifts to avoid giving and a few simple tips to follow for giving allergy-friendly items.

• Dodge homemade treats, such as cookies and candy. Food allergens tend to make an appearance in most holiday treats – from fruitcakes containing nuts to cookies made with wheat. For your food-lover friends, consider purchasing a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant or grocery store, or selecting non-food items such as coffee mugs, platters or new kitchen gadgets.
• Think it’s time for a family pet? Think again. Before stopping at a pet store for the ultimate cuddly holiday gift, don’t forget that with a pet comes pet dander and saliva, which can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. An alternative for kids could be a hypoallergenic and washable stuffed toy animal. But if that doesn’t appease your brood, consider a hypoallergenic dog breed, fish or short-haired pet such as a hamster, gerbil or guinea pig.
• Go for the gold. Avoid buying costume jewelry containing nickel, a common allergen. While 18-karat gold may be more expensive, it’s the safer choice, and you don’t have to worry about any allergic reactions.
• Give cotton with confidence. Clothing is perhaps one of the most common gifts during the holidays. Avoid purchasing angora or wool, including cashmere. Stay on the safe side and veer towards 100% cotton — it’s softer and won’t easily irritate the skin.
• Stay away from strong scents. Think twice before purchasing perfumes, scented candles, soaps or lotions, and look for labels that say “allergen-free.” And instead of a real Christmas tree, invest in an artificial one. The scent, dust mites and other pollutants of a real tree can aggravate the respiratory system. Also, remember to pass on the poinsettias – that particular plant can cause a reaction in people allergic to latex (it's part of the rubber tree family).

Victoria Gestner works with Midwest ENT Consultants, who are ear, nose and throat doctors with offices in various locations, including Plainfield. She wrote this in conjunction with the allergy experts at Midwest ENT Consultants.