Christmas can be dangerous.

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and festivities.

But they can also be a time for medical emergencies.

Unfortunately, the hustle and bustle of the season can sometimes lead to accidents, injuries, and illnesses.

In this essay, we’ll discuss three medical conditions linked to Christmas.

Admittedly, some of the connections are loose.

Let’s see how many quiz questions you get right!

1. Pityriasis rosea is a skin rash that looks like this:

A. A star

B. A tree

C. A heart

B. A skin rash resembling a tree is often a sign of pityriasis rosea, sometimes called a “Christmas tree rash.”

This name comes from the pattern of smaller patches that spread from a single, larger patch, often looking like a Christmas tree on the back or chest.

2. Christmas disease is an old name for this:

A. Hemophilia, a rare genetic bleeding disorder.

B. Liver cirrhosis. This condition is a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases.

C. Lice.

A. Christmas disease is an older name for Hemophilia B, a rare genetic bleeding disorder. Doctors first identified the condition in a patient named Stephen Christmas.

3. Holiday heart syndrome refers to this:

A. An increase in heart failure around the holidays

B. A higher risk of heart attack around Christmas

C. An increase in heart rhythm problems around the holidays

C. Holiday heart syndrome refers to an increase in heart rhythm problems like atrial fibrillation, which can increase around the holidays.

The syndrome can be secondary to alcohol consumption, stress, and diet changes.

I hope you have a joy-filled holiday.

Thank you for reading “Christmas Can Be Dangerous.”