It is no secret that drinking alcohol is not great for our health. The popular type of beverage can increase our risk for medical issues such as liver damage, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and even cancer.
Despite this we love to drink in the UK. Figures from Statista show that around a quarter of the English population stated they usually drink alcohol once or twice a week.
While many people will suffer some of the ill effects of drinking the next day in the form of a hangover, for others the after effects of alcohol can be far worse. This could indicate you are actually allergic to the stuff and doing your body even more harm.
With this in mind, one expert revealed five warning signs on your skin that could mean you are allergic to alcohol.
Dental surgeon, aesthetic doctor and founder of Dr Emma Clinics, Dr Emma Cunningham, explained: “While some people may experience hangovers because of consuming alcohol, it’s important to note that a hangover itself is not an allergic reaction.
“However, some individuals may be allergic or intolerant to certain ingredients found in alcoholic beverages, which can manifest as skin reactions.”
These five signs include:
- Flushed skin
- Hives
- Itchy skin
- Swelling
- Contact dermatitis.
Flushed skin
Alcohol can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to flushed or red skin, particularly on the face and neck, according to Dr Emma.
This reaction is more common in individuals with an alcohol intolerance and referred to as an alcohol flush reaction however, it’s often mistaken for an allergy.
She said: “Alcohol flush reaction is often due to a genetic deficiency in an enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2).
“The deficiency causes people to metabolise alcohol less effectively, leading to the release of histamine, causing a flushed reaction.
“Some research suggests that antihistamine will reduce the symptoms of alcohol flushing, however, it will not safeguard the body from the impact of acetaldehyde.”
Hives
An allergic reaction to alcohol can manifest as hives, which are raised, red, and itchy bumps on the skin.
Dr Emma said: “This reaction is often caused by an immune response to certain ingredients in alcoholic beverages, such as grains, yeast, or sulphites.”
Itchy skin
Alcohol allergy or intolerance can also cause general itchiness or pruritus, which may occur immediately after consuming alcohol or develop gradually over time.
“The deficiency causes people to metabolise alcohol less effectively, leading to the release of histamine, causing a flushed reaction.
“Some research suggests that antihistamine will reduce the symptoms of alcohol flushing, however, it will not safeguard the body from the impact of acetaldehyde.”
This itching can be localised or affect larger areas of the body, Dr Emma said.
Swelling
In some cases, an allergic reaction to alcohol can lead to swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat.
She continued: “This is known as angioedema and can be a serious allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.”
Contact dermatitis
Direct contact with certain alcoholic beverages or ingredients in them can cause contact dermatitis, which is characterised by redness, itching, and sometimes blistering of the skin.
This reaction is more common in individuals who handle alcohol frequently, such as bartenders or brewers.
Dr Emma added: “It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other factors, such as dehydration, histamine release, or sensitivity to specific ingredients in alcoholic beverages.
“If you suspect you may have an allergy or intolerance to alcohol, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.”
The NHS states that men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a “regular” basis.
This is equivalent to six pints of average-strength beer or 10 small glasses of lower-strength wine.