For immediate release
Cure for a Cold? – Maybe it’s Christmas Tree Syndrome!
Trying to treat a customer’s cold or flu symptoms? Maybe it’s an allergy to Christmas trees…
Seasonal sniffles experienced by many people at this time of year might not be due to the
common cold after all. Recent evidence demonstrates that many people are actually allergic to
their Christmas tree!
The traditional seasonal centre piece could be harbouring a wide range of airborne allergens,
which can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Many people suffer with common cold-type
symptoms, such as an itchy nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing and, for asthma sufferers, an
acute flare-up of wheezing and shortness of breath.
A 2011 survey found 35 per cent of people in the UK suffer from an increase of hay fever like
symptoms at Christmas, and that real trees caused most problems. [1] And the findings of a further
study show that pollen grains collected in the tree bark can affect hayfever sufferers too. When the
tree is brought into the house, the tree resin dries, releasing more pollen into the air, causing
potential allergic reactions – a condition known as Christmas Tree Syndrome. Furthermore, the
Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports that live Christmas trees also collect mould
spores [2].
However, it’s not just live trees that cause problems. All real Christmas trees are likely to have mould
on their trunks and needles. And those that have been stored for a while will have accumulated
more mould, as well as dust!
And opening presents under an artificial tree can be a problem too. All trees attract dust and pet
dander whilst in the house – so people affected by airborne allergens are also likely to suffer
symptoms. The dust and pet dander will be released into the air every time it is disturbed. And if the
tree has been stored since last year, it’s likely to be very dusty.
Solutions are Simple
Of course you have all your normal pharmaceutical solutions, but there are also drug-free options.
These include putting up the tree as late as possible, positioning an air purifier near the tree and
using a barrier balm.
A new study shows that the HayMax™ barrier balm traps both indoor and outdoor airborne
allergens from entering the body [3] – helping block the pollen, mould, dust and pet dander that
cause the problem. If this keeps a sufferer below their trigger level, they will have no allergic
reaction to their tree.
HayMax™ retails at £6.99 for a 5ml pot, giving a 32% margin. The special 3 for 2 offer to the
independent sector, maintains the 32% margin, with a triple tin retailing at £13.98.
The brand is supported by a national advertising and PR campaign, and free point of purchase
and shelf and counter display boxes are available. For trade enquiries, contact your wholesaler,
visit www.haymax.biz, or call 01525 406600.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
References
[1] A poll of 1,113 people, commissioned by Prevalin allergy.
[2] Identification of mold on seasonal indoor coniferous trees
Lawrence E. Kurlandsky, Josephine Przepiora, Scott W. Riddell, Deanna L. Kiska. Correspondence
June 2011, Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Vol. 106, Issue 6, Pages 543-544
Scientists examined clippings from home Christmas trees and found they contained highly
allergenic mould spores.
About HayMax™
HayMax™ is a natural, organic drug-free barrier balm, which is applied at the base of the nostrils
(much like a lip balm) and works by stopping airborne allergens getting into the body.
According to a 2012 NPARU study [3], the HayMax™ pollen barrier balm, which has already been
proven to block pollen, is now proven to trap house dust mite droppings and cat dander. It states,
“the most common triggers of indoor allergy symptoms are house dust mite…droppings, animal
dander, cockroach droppings and moulds”.
“The major house dust mite allergen … and cat dander allergen … were selected as these are
common allergens…Studies have shown surprisingly high levels of cat allergen are found within
places of work.” The report concluded that “HayMax has the capability to trap indoor and outdoor
airborne allergens and particles”.
HayMax™ is drug-free, so there are no drowsy-side effects, and is suitable for children, pregnant
women and breast-feeding mothers. It is approved by the Vegetarian Society and certified organic
by the Soil Association.
The balm comes in a handy pot, so fits easily into a handbag, school bag, briefcase, makeup bag
or pocket. And HayMax™ is very economical too – many users reporting that one pot lasts them for
several months.
[3] Chief Investigator: Professor Roy Kennedy, Principal Investigator: Louise Robertson, Researcher:
Dr Mary Lewis, National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit [NPARU], 1st February 2012.
HayMax™ is Corporate Hay Fever Sponsor of Allergy UK
Further Information
If you require any further information, please contact:
Ian and Jenny Liddle, Excellart
Telephone: 01761 413022 email: zippy@excellart.co.uk
ENDS
website: www.excellart.co.uk