Why do I get a skin rash when I drink alcohol?
Have you ever noticed that even a small amount of alcohol can lead to uncomfortable reactions like a skin rash (often called an alcohol rash) or a flushed face? Well, you might be experiencing alcohol intolerance, a condition linked to how your body breaks down and processes alcohol.
Genetic factors at play
When you drink alcohol, your liver works to break it down. This process turns alcohol into a chemical called acetaldehyde, using enzymes like alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Some people have genetic variations in genes like ADH1B and ALDH2, which can affect how quickly their body clears acetaldehyde. When acetaldehyde builds up, it can cause reactions like facial flushing and an alcohol rash, especially for people with certain inherited traits.
Common symptoms of alcohol intolerance
Alcohol intolerance can show up in various ways, including red, itchy skin bumps known as hives, facial flushing, skin rash or alcohol rash, nausea, vomiting, a runny or stuffy nose, headaches, a fast heartbeat, and low blood pressure.
Understanding genetic variations
- ADH (ADH1B): Certain gene variations can speed up the breakdown of alcohol, causing a quick buildup of acetaldehyde.
- ALDH (ALDH2): Changes in ALDH2 can slow down or deactivate the conversion of acetaldehyde, leading to its accumulation and triggering intolerance symptoms.
Why an alcohol rash happens
If you’ve ever noticed a flushed face or a skin rash after drinking alcohol, it could be caused by a buildup of acetaldehyde. When your body can’t break down this chemical quickly enough, it can make your blood vessels expand. This reaction can lead to facial redness, hives, or an alcohol rash that appears soon after drinking.
Other culprits in alcoholic beverages
Alongside your genes, your risk of developing an alcohol rash or other reactions can also depend on what’s in your drink. Some drinks - like red wine and beer - contain higher levels of sulphites and histamines, which can trigger skin rashes or flushing in some people.
Can it get better?
If you have a genetic tendency to develop an alcohol rash, it may not go away completely because your body will always process alcohol in the same way. The best way to manage an alcohol rash or other signs of alcohol intolerance is by limiting how much you drink or avoiding alcohol altogether. Even if you’re not genetically prone, drinking too much alcohol too quickly can still trigger uncomfortable symptoms like flushing or a skin rash.
How to manage an alcohol rash and other intolerance symptoms
If you’re prone to an alcohol rash, there are practical steps you can try to manage your symptoms more comfortably.
1. Know your triggers: different drinks can cause different reactions. Spirits may be better tolerated than wine or beer, which often contain more histamines and sulfites that can make an alcohol rash worse.
2. Drink slowly and with food: eating before and during drinking slows alcohol absorption and may help reduce a rash or facial flushing.
3. Stay hydrated: sip plenty of water alongside alcohol to help your body process it more efficiently and reduce the chance of skin reactions.
4. Check labels and choose carefully: pick drinks with fewer additives and lower sulfite levels when you can.
5. Know your limits: some people find that even small amounts can trigger a rash, so sticking to your personal limit is key.
Home DNA testing for answers
Curious about your genetic makeup and how it relates to alcohol intolerance? MyHealthChecked’s Intolerances & Sensitivities DNA Test offers insightful answers. It checks specific genes related to alcohol metabolism, helping you understand your likelihood of experiencing adverse reactions. A quick, painless cheek swab goes to our UK lab, where we look at your genes linked to how your body handles alcohol. Your secure report explains how well you break down alcohol and how likely you are to get an alcohol rash or other reactions. It then turns this into clear, easy tips for choosing drinks, how much to have, and how to enjoy social events more comfortably.
When to seek professional advice
Experiencing discomfort from alcohol may also be linked to underlying health issues. If you're concerned about your health, it's always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional.
In summary
Knowing how your body responds to alcohol, especially if you have a genetic predisposition, is crucial for making informed choices. Our Intolerances and Sensitivities DNA test can offer valuable insights, helping you navigate your relationship with alcohol more confidently.
References
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. "Alcohol Intolerance."
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. "Alcohol Metabolism: An Update.”
- Allergy UK. Reactions to Alcohol. 2022. Available from: https://www.allergyuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Reactions-to-Alcohol.pdf