Can Alcohol Use Cause Skin Rashes?
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Ever noticed how some peoples’ cheeks start to turn rosy after drinking alcohol? Some of us are more prone to this than others based on how efficiently our body metabolizes alcohol. For instance, some people have a genetic mutation that reduces the activity of an important enzyme for breaking down alcohol’s toxic compounds. With limited ability to effectively process alcohol, our body experiences a buildup of toxins that can cause those rosy, flushed cheeks.
While this is perhaps the most widely known effect of alcohol on our skin, it’s certainly not the only one. Drinking alcohol can cause us to develop skin rashes, worsen pre-existing skin conditions, and leave us vulnerable to skin problems. How? Let’s find out!
Alcohol can cause skin reactions such as rashes, redness, itching, and other symptoms. While these rashes aren’t usually dangerous, they can range from mildly uncomfortable to severe, depending on the person.
Research indicates that those who misuse alcohol may be more likely to develop an alcohol-related skin rash or condition. Some of these skin reactions can occur almost immediately when we drink alcohol, while others might not develop for months or years, depending on various factors.
Here are some of the more common skin conditions associated with alcohol misuse:
Other skin conditions that can be caused or worsened by heavy alcohol use include pimples and acne, hives, dermatitis, severe itchiness (pruritus), stinging, tingling or burning sensations, red spots, hyperpigmentation, and cellulitis.
It’s worth noting that chronic alcohol use prevents the absorption of essential vitamins, including B and C — both of which are vital for healthy skin and immune function. Not getting enough of these vitamins could worsen any existing skin condition or contribute to the development of a new one.
Furthermore, excessive, prolonged use of alcohol can cause liver damage. Signs of liver damage often include skin-related symptoms, such as red or purple rash dots or splotches, severe itching in a particular spot or all over the body, spider veins, small, yellow bumps in the skin or eyelids, brown patches (hyperpigmentation), or patches of dehydrated skin.
Several conditions can cause a skin reaction after alcohol has been consumed:
While these are some of the ways alcohol-related skin reactions occur, It’s important to note that some occur for unknown reasons.
Although alcohol-related skin reactions and conditions can be irritating and uncomfortable, the vast majority are not life-threatening. As our body processes the alcohol out of our system, symptoms typically go away. However, the best way to prevent a reaction from occuring is to avoid drinking alcohol altogether or to minimize the amount consumed.
Keep in mind that we might experience skin-related problems that point to liver damage if we’ve been consuming alcohol heavily for a long time. It’s important to contact a medical professional right away if we notice any signs of liver damage. Our liver has a remarkable ability to heal itself when we stop consuming alcohol.
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