The allergy-safe Christmas gift guide: Thoughtful presents for allergy sufferers

10th December 2024

The allergy-safe Christmas gift guide: Thoughtful presents for allergy sufferers

Finding the perfect Christmas gift for someone with allergies can feel daunting, especially when you’re navigating the world of potential triggers. However, with a little care and thought, you can choose gifts that are not only safe but also thoughtful and delightful. Whether it’s skincare, snacks, or other treats, this guide will help you select allergen-free presents to ensure everyone feels included in the festive cheer.

1. Allergen-free skincare and beauty products

For allergy sufferers, skincare and beauty products can often be a minefield of hidden irritants. Choosing hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, or dermatologist-approved brands can make a world of difference. Look for products labelled free of common allergens such as:

• Parabens
• Sulfates
• Synthetic fragrances
• Essential oils (for those sensitive to botanical ingredients)

Popular options:

• Aveeno Dermexa Range (great for eczema-prone skin).
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane (for sensitive skin types).
• Neal’s Yard Remedies Sensitive Collection (organic and gentle).

You could also consider gifting vouchers for brands like Lush or The Body Shop, allowing the recipient to choose items they trust.

2. Allergen-free snacks and treats

Food allergies are among the most common concerns during the holidays, but there’s no shortage of delicious allergen-free snacks available. Here are a few crowd-pleasing options:

• Dairy-free chocolate: Brands like Moo Free and NOMO (No Missing Out) create indulgent chocolates free from dairy, gluten, and nuts.
• Nut-free biscuit tins: Check out products from companies like Nairn’s or Just Love Food.
• Gluten-free festive bakes: Gift festive favourites like gluten-free mince pies or shortbreads from companies like Schär or Freee (by Doves Farm).

For a personal touch, consider baking your own allergen-free treats! Make sure to clearly label ingredients for peace of mind.

3. Non-food gifts for a thoughtful touch

Not every gift needs to involve food or skincare. Consider items that steer clear of allergens altogether while still feeling festive:

• A cosy blanket: Opt for a soft, hypoallergenic throw or blanket made from natural fibres like organic cotton.
• Scent-free candles: For those sensitive to fragrances, soy or beeswax candles without added scents are a comforting gift.
• Custom gift baskets: Fill a basket with safe and thoughtful items like herbal teas, non-fragrant bath salts, and cosy socks.
• Experience gifts: Offer a gift card for a movie night, local attraction, or a spa day (just ensure they cater to allergy sufferers).

4. Be mindful of packaging and labelling

If you’re not sure about specific triggers, double-check labels for any disclaimers about allergens or cross-contamination. Look for certifications like “free from” symbols and allergen-friendly seals from trusted brands. Don’t hesitate to ask a store assistant or contact the manufacturer if you’re unsure about a product.

5. When in doubt, why not gift an allergy test?

If you suspect a loved one might have an allergy but they’ve yet to pinpoint the cause, an allergy test could be the most thoughtful gift of all. Testing can provide clarity and peace of mind, empowering them to make safe choices in the future. Many tests can be taken from the comfort of their home, with easy-to-follow instructions and quick results.

Why an allergy test makes the perfect gift

Christmas is about giving—and what’s more valuable than the gift of health? Whether your loved one struggles with a persistent sensitivity or suspects an underlying allergy, gifting a test can open the door to better understanding and management. It’s a practical, meaningful gift that shows you truly care about their well-being.

Ready to make someone’s Christmas allergy-safe?

Explore our range of reliable, easy-to-use allergy tests, perfect for uncovering triggers and embracing a healthier lifestyle. This year, give the gift of clarity and comfort—because peace of mind is the best gift of all.

Register as a new patient with us today for a comprehensive evaluation at our London-based allergy clinic or prefer the convenience of our home allergy test to make this Christmas safe, joyful, and inclusive for everyone on your list!

Navigating Christmas allergies

28th November 2023

Navigating Christmas allergies

It’s official. We’ve seen the Coca-Cola truck, Mariah Carey has defrosted, and Michael Buble is on the radio: Christmas is here. 

That means so is party season. Wearing our warmest jackets, we head out to the Christmas markets with our loved ones, huddled over mulled wine and overpriced but tasty cheese purchases. Boozy Christmas parties and catching up with friends and family, old and new, await us. 

With the holiday season just around the corner, many of us eagerly anticipate the joyous festivities that come with Christmas. 

However, amidst the twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the aroma of seasonal treats, it’s essential to be aware of potential allergens that could turn the most wonderful time of the year into a season of discomfort. 

When you’re breaking your familiar routine of the previous 11 months, and you’re in new environments, perhaps you’re meeting the future in-laws for the first time; you increase your exposure to unfamiliar triggers. This can lead to unexpected allergic reactions. 

As we approach the festive season, we wanted to give you a heads-up on common Christmas allergens, how to differentiate allergy symptoms from cold-related sickness, and what you can do to pave the way for more comfortable future celebrations.

Common Christmas allergens

Christmas trees

While the majestic presence of a real Christmas tree may evoke the holiday spirit, it can also bring unwelcome allergens such as mould spores and pollen into your home. If you think Christmas trees are a trigger for you, consider opting for an artificial tree to minimise exposure.

Ornaments and decorations

Dust and mould can accumulate on stored decorations throughout the year. Give them a thorough cleaning before decking the halls to avoid triggering allergies when unpacking.

Festive foods

Nuts, shellfish, and dairy are frequently present in holiday dishes. If you or your loved ones have food allergies, be vigilant about ingredient labels and cross-contamination in shared spaces. 

Poinsettias and holly

These classic Christmas plants can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Keep them out of reach if you have small children or pets prone to exploring.

Scented candles and potpourri

The enticing aromas of holiday candles and potpourri may hide potential irritants. Opt for unscented or hypoallergenic alternatives to create a cosy atmosphere without compromising your respiratory health.

Spotting allergies vs. cold-related illness

It can be challenging to distinguish between allergy symptoms and those of a cold, especially during the winter months. Allergy symptoms typically include:

• Itchy eyes and nose: Allergies often cause itching, which is less common in colds.
• Sudden onset: Cold symptoms usually develop gradually, while allergies can strike suddenly.
• Duration: Colds generally resolve within one to two weeks, whereas allergies may persist as long as the allergen is present.
• Fever: Allergies rarely cause a fever, whereas colds often do.

Taking Action

If you suspect you have Christmas-related allergies, taking a simple allergy test can provide valuable insights into your triggers. 

Armed with this information, you can take proactive measures to minimise exposure, such as choosing allergy-friendly decorations, communicating dietary restrictions at gatherings, and creating an allergy-conscious holiday environment.

This Christmas season, give yourself the gift of a joyful and symptom-free celebration. By getting tested and understanding your allergies, you can plan and ensure that future Christmases are filled with the warmth and joy that the season deserves. Don’t let allergies dampen your holiday spirit—take the necessary steps to make this and every Christmas a truly merry and 

allergy-free occasion.

Our allergy experts are here to guide you through the testing process and provide the support and advice you need to enjoy your life without stress. Don’t let allergies hold you back—take action now and invest in your well-being. Register as a new patient or call us at 02031 433 449 to make your future Christmasses as comfortable as they should be.

Your allergy-free gift-buying guide for 2022

30th November 2022

Your allergy-free gift-buying guide for 2022

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. It’s filled with good food, great people, and even better times. But do you know which part is always frustrating? Yes, it’s buying gifts for other people. Everyone knows someone who swears they don’t want anything, or the person who already has everything in the world.

But do you know what else you should be considering when you buy someone a gift? Their allergies. They can present themselves in ways you may not even imagine. So whether you’re buying something for a loved one or just treating yourself, here’s our advice for some allergy-free gift-buying this year.

What not to buy

Let’s start with the gifts you shouldn’t be buying. Or at least you should be thinking twice before buying them. Here are some present categories that might catch you off guard:

Soaps and perfumes: This is always an easy gift to get someone. Everyone loves smelling good. But some soaps and perfumes can aggravate a person’s allergies. They can cause contact dermatitis, leading to itchy skin, red patches (or brown/purple patches on people with darker skin), and blisters.

Clothing: People can be allergic to various materials commonly used in clothing. Cotton, for example. Or latex. Another one is leather. So if you’ve found the perfect pair of leather boots for someone, make sure they don’t make them break out in a rash first.

Jewellery: It’s the same with jewellery, too. The nickel in most jewellery can cause some people to break out in itches and hives. So rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings might be off the table.

Food and drink: This one might be obvious, but is worth repeating. If you’re going to get someone a sweet treat this Christmas, look at the ingredients. If you know someone allergic to nuts, double check to make sure there are none included. Or stay away from them altogether.

What should you buy instead?

The great news is that there are plenty of alternatives! And if you really want to show you care, there are some choices directed specifically at allergy sufferers. Here are some ideas for you:

Anti-allergy bedding: If you know someone who’s allergic to dust mites, this might be a good purchase. You can get bedding or pillows. They’re machine washable and better at keeping dust mites at bay.

Air purifiers: Why not get them a gadget? An air purifier can remove airborne allergens from the air. Just make sure they have a HEPA or ion filter as these are better equipped at removing particles.

Allergen-free cookbook: Don’t want to risk getting them food? How about a cookbook instead? The upside here is they might make something for you one day!

Get something personal: When all else fails, get them something personal. A small trinket like a photo of you together, or some sort of home decoration. Sometimes it’s not what you buy that matters, it’s what it says.

We can’t solve all your gift-buying woes, but hopefully this has made you think about your friends and family with allergies. Now all that’s left to do is brave the shops (or stay cosy at home and do it online) and then wrap it all up.

Are you concerned about your own allergies or those of your children? You don’t have to go through it alone. Our team of allergy specialists can help you have a comfortable Christmas. Register as a new patient today, or call us on 02031 433 449.

Christmas food allergies: what to look out for

8th December 2021

Christmas food allergies: what to look out for

If you ask people what their favourite part of the festive season is, a good majority will no doubt say the food. In fact, 75% of Brits just can’t wait to gorge themselves on a Christmas feast!

But for people with food allergies, it can be another minefield – especially if you have to trust someone else to do the cooking. And which of your favourite dishes can you even eat? Let’s look at some of the likely foods you’ll have piling up on your plate and what potential allergens they might contain.

Stuffing

The perfect accompaniment to a few slices of turkey, stuffing is a staple around the Christmas dinner table. But a key ingredient is often breadcrumbs, which will affect those with a gluten intolerance.

And depending on the kind of stuffing, it may also have traces of nuts and festive fruits, such as cranberries. You can make your own stuffing and substitute the breadcrumbs with cornmeal or quinoa, and replace the nuts with dried fruits (as long as you aren’t allergic to them).

Sauces and gravy

What would the meal be without a sauce or gravy lavished over it all? But make sure to triple-check the ingredients as you never know what’s in them.

Whether it’s cranberry sauce or a meat gravy, they can be embellished with extras such as nuts to give it that extra texture. They could also have other types of fruit that you may be allergic to.

Christmas pudding

Many people love to round out the Christmas dinner with a traditional pudding. But there are plenty of ingredients that could be in there that you need to look out for. This also goes for all kinds of desserts you might dig into.

Of course, when it comes to cake, flour is a major ingredient. This isn’t great news for people with gluten sensitivities. A Christmas pudding is also likely to be stuffed with various fruits, nuts, and dairy.

It might be worth a trip down the free-from aisle at your local supermarket (if they have one). Around this time of year, they’ll no doubt have a range of festive treats sure to be free of certain allergens. Take a good look at the ingredients to see which best suits you.

There’s no reason you shouldn’t be safe to dig into your Christmas feast this year. With some extra vigilance – and some elbow grease if you’re making your own food from scratch – you can make sure everyone has a fantastic time. Just don’t eat too much!

We want you to have the safest festive period possible. If you have any allergy concerns, our allergy experts are always here to help. Get in touch with us today on 02031 433 449.

What winter allergies could you have?

24th November 2021

What winter allergies could you have?

Winter is practically here! And it’s plenty of people’s favourite time of year. Whether it’s the festivities that puts them in a happy mood or they simply prefer the cold, it’s certain to make some people feel very jolly indeed.

Not everyone shares that sentiment, though. Yes, some hate the cold and others could pass on the holiday season. But there are also those that associate this time of year with allergies and aggravation. What kind of allergies could even start up in winter? Let’s look at some potential culprits and what the real reason behind your reactions might be.

Snow

We’ll start with a strange one. Can you be allergic to snow? While anything might be technically possible with allergies, it’s probably not the snow causing it. Not directly, at least.

There’s a condition called ‘cold urticaria’. This is a sensitivity to cold weather that results in red, itchy skin, swelling, and potentially even anaphylaxis. All after being exposed to the cold. It’s a rare condition, but don’t be so quick to blame that snowman you built!

Christmas tree

This one is similar to snow, in that it might not exactly be the tree you’re allergic to. In fact, it might be something the tree is carrying that’s setting your allergies off.

Some people call it ‘Christmas tree syndrome’. The idea is that natural trees can harbour mold spores or fungi that sneak into your home. These then cause an increase in allergic reactions. For fake Christmas trees, it might be that they’ve picked up lots of dust or mold in storage, also setting off your sensitivities. The best advice is to make sure the tree is cleaned thoroughly before putting it up.

Turkey

A Christmas favourite, can this festive bird cause allergic reactions? According to one study, it’s not impossible, but also not very likely. In fact, it’s so rare that there aren’t really any figures for how many people have it.

Regardless, keep your eye on the food you’re eating and if it’s causing any issues. It could be another ingredient or something else entirely.

Don’t let your allergies drag you down this holiday season. Stay safe, stay wrapped up warm, and stay away from anything that might trigger your allergies. If you have any concerns, why not speak to an allergy specialist to give you the ultimate peace of mind?

If you think you have an undiagnosed allergy, get in touch with one of our experts. They can help you find any sensitivities and let you know how to treat them. Register for an appointment or reach us on 02031 433 449.

Allergic to Christmas: How your Christmas tree could be triggering your allergies

23rd December 2020

Allergic to Christmas: How your Christmas tree could be triggering your allergies

Most of us catch a cold in the colder months, but if you seem to be one of those that get a cold every year around Christmas, it might actually be an allergy. 7% of the population experience symptoms as a result of exposure to pine trees.

That’s right, it could be that getting in the Christmas spirit has been giving you that stuffy nose all these years. Although “Christmas Tree Syndrome” is rarely dangerous, you shouldn’t have to deal with feeling under the weather while trying to enjoy the holidays with your family.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a pine tree allergy mirror those of a cold, which is, without a test, hard to identify. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing, but also include symptoms that are similar to hay fever, such as itchy, watery eyes with dark circles under them. You may also get a skin rash. 

Depending on whether you have asthma or existing allergies, these symptoms can be mild or quite severe, with extreme cases sometimes resulting in bronchitis or pneumonia. 

Causes 

It’s been estimated that approximately 35% of people in the UK and US suffer from an increase in hay-fever-like symptoms at Christmas, with real trees causing the most problems. Many factors can trigger this reaction, but it’s unlikely you’re allergic to the tree itself. You’re more likely to be allergic to other factors, like mould, pollen, and dust that has collected in the tree. 

The pollen from Christmas trees is inactive by the winter, but the tree may still be coated in weed pollen, which can trigger an allergic reaction. One of the most common triggers for respiratory reactions is dust mites, which you can unknowingly bring in on your Christmas tree.

Is artificial the answer?

Artificial trees can be a better alternative, but artificial trees can still harbour the mould and dust that can trigger a reaction. We often store trees in attics and cellars – places that are prone to mould and dust build-up. You can try wiping down your artificial tree and your Christmas decorations to remove the allergens and, hopefully, reduce your symptoms.

If you suspect there may be more to that cold you seem to get every Christmas, it’s always best to put any worry to bed by contacting an allergist. It means you can finally focus on enjoying the holidays with your loved ones.

At Allergy Clinic London, we have the allergy expertise to help you enjoy the holidays, stress-free. For an allergy test or advice on how to deal with your allergies, phone us today on 02031 433 449.

‘Tis the season… to be cautious of our allergies!

18th December 2019

‘Tis the season… to be cautious of our allergies!

Christmas is fast approaching, and it’s a wonderful time to kick back, relax, and enjoy time with family and friends. But while we enjoy some much-needed time off over the festive period, allergies love to stick around.

The last thing you want is to ruin Christmas with an allergic reaction. The symptoms will be unpleasant, you won’t feel yourself, and might miss out on some fun events. While you’re having a good time, try to keep your allergies in mind. A little extra caution and awareness will ensure you have the happiest and healthiest end to your year and start to the next one.

Am I allergic to my tree?

You’re getting into the festive spirit and have found the perfect tree. But ever since bringing it home you’ve been sneezing constantly!

What you’re dealing with isn’t an allergy to the tree itself, but most likely a reaction to mould spores. 5 to 20% of the population are allergic to mould, so you definitely aren’t alone. 

As you can imagine, a damp tree that’s been outside for years is a perfect home for mould. And once it’s in your house, you’ll be coming into contact with it a lot. Inhaling mould spores can trigger asthma or allergic symptoms.

Try shaking off your tree or giving it a hose down before bringing it inside. And perhaps add tissues to your Christmas list?

Keep up the cleaning

If you’re allergic to dust, you’ll likely suffer year-round. But things can get even worse over Christmas. 

We unbox decorations that have been up in the attic for the past year collecting dust. And we rely on heating, don’t open windows, and spend a lot more time indoors. Before long, your house turns into a snow globe of dust and your body doesn’t know if it’s coming or going.

With this in mind, keep on top of your cleaning. It’s easy to get distracted and put off cleaning in favour of being festive. But you’ll thank yourself in the new year when you aren’t celebrating 2020 with a huge allergic reaction.

Don’t forget about drinks!

You might be good at keeping on top of your food allergies, making friends and family aware of what to avoid. But let’s not forget about drinks!

We all know that sharing is caring over Christmas. But allergens can stay in saliva for several hours. It might only take one shared drink to ruin your celebrations.

Also, bear in mind the ingredients of drinks. It seems obvious now, but when you’re caught up in the good times, it’s easy to forget about the milk in Bailey’s, sulphites in wine, or gluten in beer.

We all love Christmas, right? Let’s vow to make this one a good one by protecting ourselves from allergens. No one wants to spend Christmas Day nursing an allergic reaction! Talk about dampened spirits.

If you want to book an allergy test and figure out what you should avoid over the festive period, give us a call on 02031 433 499.

Stay safe this Christmas; watch out for festive allergies

21st December 2018

Stay safe this Christmas; watch out for festive allergies

Whether you love or hate Christmas, you will likely come into contact with a Christmas tree, festive food, and allergy-triggering presents at some point during December. And while it might be a time for celebration and fun, you need to be wary of potential allergy triggers.

Deck the halls

Decorating at Christmas is one of the best parts, but you might want to stick to a plastic tree. Real pine trees can cause allergy symptoms to flare. While the tree itself might not be the main culprit, the particles that it attracts might be.

Trees can collect mould, dust, and other allergens like pollen or pet dander. If you think you might start sneezing instead of rocking around the Christmas tree choose an artificial tree instead. It’s also worth dusting decorations around the house to help keep it allergy-free.

The gift that keeps on giving

It’s not uncommon to receive at least one body product as a Christmas present, especially as supermarkets and drugstores sell gift sets. But be careful with the type of products you put on your skin. They may cause you discomfort if you’re allergic to certain ingredients or have contact dermatitis. If possible, ensure that your family and friends are clued up on your triggers.

Food glorious food

Food is quite possibly the best part of Christmas. From roast dinners to mince pies, there’s a lot to eat! But for those with food allergies, it can be a minefield. If you’re not in charge of cooking, be sure to alert whoever is of your allergies so that you can have peace of mind this Christmas.

Don’t put up with potential allergies, make sure you get allergy tested in the new year! Whether it’s winter or summer, allergies are difficult to avoid if you don’t know what your triggers are. Begin your allergy-free journey today.

Start the new year without worrying about itchy eyes, a runny nose, and hives. Request an allergy test today, or visit our website to find out more about your allergy problems.

Hay fever: the gift you didn’t expect this Christmas

9th December 2017

Hay fever: the gift you didn’t expect this Christmas

Merry Christmas! This year, many people will find hay fever in winter is their Christmas present. Most will mistake it for a common cold, but contrary to belief, hay fever in winter really does exist. An easy way to differentiate between hay fever or a virus is itchiness. If someone is experiencing itchiness in their eyes, throat, or ears, it’s likely that they have hay fever.

It’s vital for those who typically suffer from hay fever to understand the differences between hay fever and a cold. Especially because a majority of people with asthma also suffer from pollen allergies. Therefore, if they mistake their allergy for a cold, the aftermath can be very bad. Those with asthma need to pay attention to the early signs to deal with any possible asthma attacks.

Changing patterns of reactions to a variety of pollen is increasingly being reported around the world. Global warming, as well as the use of genetically modified plants, pose unexpected risks to allergy sufferers. Our colleague from Global Allergy Network, Professor Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier, University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland reported an interesting observation regarding tree pollen allergies. They planted hybrid trees, and when they blossomed, many schoolchildren began to experience unusual allergy symptoms around Christmas time.

How can you slow your symptoms down?

Luckily, there are a few noteworthy medicines and practices that can help anyone suffering from hay fever in winter. Hay fever sufferers can opt to take antihistamines, or they can start immunotherapy. This is a method that progressively teaches the system not to react by using a specially manufactured allergen. Improvement usually starts after 4-5 month and eventually, after a few years, the immune system will tolerate the pollen and won’t send out signals that it is a strange foreign substance.

Hay fever is a nasty allergy to deal with every winter, spring, summer, or autumn – or all four seasons for the unlucky few. Thus, it is essential for all allergy sufferers to keep up to date with the earth’s changing climate and the research going into new diagnostic methods and treatment options.

For help and advice on hay fever or for more information on immunotherapy, please book an appointment with our consultants.

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The image featured in this blog is courtesy of Cheap Women’s Snow Gear.

Ragweed – new allergen is increasing in the UK

4th December 2017

Ragweed – new allergen is increasing in the UK

It is that time of year again. The sound of Christmas songs full of cheer and snow fill your ears. But all you can focus on is the never-ending snot dripping out of your nose. Your head is pounding; you want to stick a pencil down your throat and scratch it, and you can’t stop sneezing. It is not precisely the holly jolly Christmas that you expected.

Hay fever is becoming more and more common throughout the UK and Europe. This is due to the rise in warmer autumns and winters over the last few years. The increase in temperature is causing a rapid growth of a pesky plant known as ragweed. This herbaceous rebel is wreaking havoc on an increasing amount of citizens each year.

Warmer weather in the UK

The ever-increasing temperatures in summer, autumn, and spring are propelling the growth of ragweed. This October, according to the metoffice.gov.uk, the average temperature across the UK was warmer than usual, which is nice for people who enjoy meandering outside, but worrisome for those with pollen allergies and asthma.

Last year, “the UK mean temperature was 5.9 °C, which is 2.0 °C above the 1981-2010 long-term average, and the eighth warmest December in a series from 1910″. Unfortunately, ragweed grows at a much quicker rate under a warmer climate and the allergen-causing plant now, reportedly, is the cause of many prolonged hay fever symptoms worldwide. To make matters worse, ragweed can grow back after its removal and its pollen tends to live on for many, many years.

Due to the steady increase in ragweed, hay fever sufferers will experience an onset of symptoms, ones that should not be mistaken for the common cold.

For help and advice relating to hay fever and allergies, please book an appointment with our consultants on our website.