Drinking alcohol can make the body itch, this is why

Drinking alcohol can cause various reactions in the body. Apart from making the head feel light and lightheaded, not a few have complained of itching in the body after drinking alcohol.

Itching is often associated with an allergic reaction. However, the appearance of itching after drinking alcohol is not always caused by allergies. So, what is the cause?

Causes of body itching after drinking alcohol

Although closely related to allergic reactions, most complaints of alcohol-induced itching are actually symptoms of alcohol intolerance.

This condition is genetic and is more common in people of Asian races.

Alcohol intolerance occurs because the body does not have the enzymes needed to break down the toxins in alcohol.

In some people, an intolerance reaction can also result from exposure to:

• Alcohol preservatives, for example sulfites.
• Histamine, which is a compound that is produced through the fermentation process in making alcoholic drinks.
• Chemicals, raw materials for alcoholic drinks, or other additives.

These various triggers make your body feel itchy after drinking alcohol. Itching can occur as soon as you drink alcohol or a few hours afterward.

You may also experience symptoms such as:

• A red, itchy rash appears (rash)
• The face looks red
• The nose feels runny or blocked
• Lower blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Asthma symptoms if you have them

There is no way to deal with intolerance to alcoholic beverages or the ingredients in them. To prevent this, you need to limit or even stop drinking alcohol altogether.

Body itching after drinking alcohol can also signal an allergy

Many consider itching after drinking alcohol to be an allergic reaction. In fact, alcohol allergies are quite rare.

You even need to find out in advance what causes allergies after consuming alcoholic beverages.

The reason is, it could be that your allergies are not due to alcohol, but come from wheat, wine, yeast, or other ingredients to make alcoholic drinks.

Allergy to alcohol is caused by the body's immune system reaction to substances that are considered dangerous. The immune system responds to alcohol by releasing an antibody called immunoglobulin E. The impact is an allergic reaction will appear in the body.

Allergy symptoms that arise from alcohol can be severe. Some of these symptoms include:

• Rash, itching, or eczema on the skin
• Itching sensation in the mouth or nose
• Swelling of the face, throat, or other parts of the body
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, and loss of consciousness
• Blocked nose, wheezing, and difficulty breathing
• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

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If you experience itching in the body after drinking alcohol and are accompanied by these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

Alcohol allergy that is not handled properly can get worse, even fatal.

Like alcohol intolerance, an allergy to alcohol also cannot be cured. The only way you can prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid drinking alcohol altogether.

Itching sensation in the body after drinking alcohol indicates that your body is experiencing an abnormal reaction to this drink. The next step you need to do is to recognize other symptoms that appear on the body.

Alcohol intolerance usually goes away on its own. However, an allergy to alcohol is a dangerous condition that requires medical attention.

Immediately stop alcohol consumption if you experience the above symptoms.