2024-05-02 07:52:24
It has been proven that alcohol is not good for health. It can increase the risk of health problems such as liver damage, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and even cancer.
Despite this, many people consume alcohol. Surveys show that a quarter of the English population “treats out” once or twice a week.
It is common for a person to feel hungover the morning after drinking, but symptoms of an alcohol allergy can also occur. This means that you are harming your body even more.
With that in mind, one expert has revealed five warning skin signs that could mean you’re allergic to alcohol.
“A hangover in itself is not an allergic reaction,” explained Emma Cunningham, a dental surgeon and aesthetic medicine doctor. – However, some people may be allergic or intolerant to certain components of alcoholic beverages. This can manifest as skin reactions.”
1. Reddened skin
According to the doctor, alcohol can cause dilation of blood vessels, which is why the skin is red, mostly on the face and neck.
The reason for such a reaction is an increased amount of acetaldehyde in the body. Acetaldehyde is a byproduct of alcohol breakdown reactions, which the liver converts into less harmful substances. However, the slower processing of acetaldehyde is determined by human genetics.
“Some studies show that antihistamines reduce alcohol-induced flushing symptoms, but they do not protect the body from the effects of acetaldehyde,” explained E. Cunningham.
2. Urticaria
An allergic reaction to alcohol can manifest as hives, which are red and itchy bumps on the skin.
“It’s caused by an immune reaction to certain ingredients in alcoholic beverages, such as grains, yeast or sulfites,” said the doctor.
3. Itchy skin
Allergy or intolerance to alcohol can cause itching that occurs immediately after drinking alcohol or develops gradually over time.
Itching can be localized or involve larger areas of the skin, Cunningham said.
4. Swelling
Sometimes an allergic reaction to alcohol can cause swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat.
“This is called angioedema and can be a serious allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention,” Cunningham warned.
5. Contact dermatitis
Direct contact with certain alcoholic beverages or their ingredients can cause contact dermatitis, characterized by red, itchy, and sometimes blistering skin.
This reaction is more common in people who have constant contact with alcohol, such as bartenders or brewers.
The doctor emphasized that the listed symptoms can be caused by other factors, such as dehydration, histamine release or sensitivity to certain components of alcoholic beverages.
“If you suspect that you may be allergic or intolerant to alcohol, it is best to consult your family doctor,” advised E. Cunningham.
The National Health Service in England recommends that men and women drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week.
This is equivalent to six pints of medium-strength beer or 10 small glasses of lower-strength wine.
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2024-05-02 07:52:24