Meet the woman who's allergic to Christmas: Office worker breaks out in hives and an unbearable rash due to one very common decoration - and thousands of Aussies are in the same boat

A woman has been left devastated to learn she is 'allergic' to Christmas trees after she broke out in an unbearable rash while she was getting into the festive spirit at work.

Melbourne woman Jo Rao, 38, had been thrilled to check out the real Christmas tree that had been set up in her office at the start of the month, having only ever had fake trees at home.

But to her horror a few minutes later her skin and eyes started itching, her nose began running and she broke out in hives. 

Unbeknownst to Ms Rao, she is one of many people who suffer from Christmas tree syndrome, an allergy that affects thousands of Australians every holiday season.

Jo Rao, 38, had been thrilled to check out the real Christmas tree at her office, having only ever had fake trees at home - but her experience quickly turned sour due to an allergic reaction

'My arms and legs where I'd brushed past the tree came out in horrible unsightly hives and within an hour or so I was a mess!' Ms Rao told Daily Mail Australia.

'I was gutted! Christmas is my favourite time of the year and I've actually never had a real tree before as I come from Perth, where it's so hot no one has real Christmas trees.'

She spent the next few days in agony trying to determine what had caused the rash.  

It wasn't until her doctor asked her what had changed in her surroundings that she realised her allergy stemmed from the office Christmas tree.

She tried multiple antihistamines but the only remedy that provided relief was an $18.50 Eczema and Psoriasis Cream from Australian skin care brand MooGoo. 

Her doctor gave her a certificate to work from home while the tree was removed, but Ms Rao suggested the tree be relocated to the other side of the office so she didn't put a dampener on her colleagues' Christmas. 

'Obviously everyone was worried about me, but because I work in a fun office, they've nicknamed me 'The Grinch',' Ms Rao said.

Ms Rao broke out into hives after touching the new Christmas tree that had been set up in her office. The only cream that helped her allergy was an $18.50 Eczema and Psoriasis Cream from Australian skin care brand MooGoo (pictured left is rash and right is after cream was used)

'I've never heard of Christmas Tree Syndrome and couldn't believe it's 'a thing' when I looked it up. Since my reaction, loads of people have come forward saying they know people who are allergic to them too. 

'I wouldn't say it's ruined Christmas now that my skin is healing, but it's certainly made me never want a real tree again!'  

Christmas tree syndrome can cause wheezing, sneezing, coughing, sore eyes, and even serious asthma attacks, according to the National Asthma Council of Australia.

Pine or cypress trees collect a high amount of pollen which can trigger asthma or hayfever symptoms once they're put up.

Artificial trees can even trigger allergies as well due to the dust and mould which can accumulate while the trees sit in storage each year.

Melody Livingstone, CEO of Australian natural skin care brand MooGoo, said the syndrome was 'much more common' than people imagine.  

It wasn't until her doctor asked her what had changed in her surroundings that she realised her allergy stemmed from the office Christmas tree

'Studies show people can experience a conifer allergy due to the pollen and mould that lives on Christmas trees, so while they look beautiful and the pine scent smells great, they can be dangerous to breathe and cause allergic reactions for people sensitive to them,' she said.

'We're seeing people with sensitive skin getting itchy, red spots if they are poked by the pine needs while putting up their festive season decorations.'

It's estimated the allergy effects around 35 per cent of people in the UK and US, with the problem rising in Australia. 

Some people in the past have even been hospitalised. 

Melody Livingstone, CEO of Australian natural skin care brand MooGoo, said the syndrome was 'much more common' than people imagine

CHRISTMAS TREE SYNDROME 

People allergic to real Christmas trees can break out in hives, welts, have itchy and sore eyes, wheezing and a sneezing

Due to the pollen that is in cypress and pine trees, many people can develop hay fever like symptoms

Sometimes the allergies can lead to serious asthma attacks

Artificial trees can also trigger the reaction due to a build up of dust and mould while the trees sit in storage

Allergy effects around 35 per cent of people in the UK and US

People are encouraged to hose down the tree to wash off any allergens, and in some cases to install an air purifier next to it

Make sure to wear gloves when decorating the tree and in some cases it is best to keep it outside

Others who may experience symptoms should move their trees outside 

Source:  National Asthma Council of Australia