Alcohol is a potential trigger for hives. Hives may develop due to an allergic reaction to alcohol or other ingredients in certain beverages, such as grapes in wine or grains in beer.
Urticaria, more commonly known as hives, are raised welts or bumps that appear on your skin. They may appear as tiny dots or make up large, raised patches. Hives are often skin-colored or red on lighter skin tones.
Hives have many potential triggers. One uncommon trigger is alcohol.
Some people may develop hives when exposed to any alcoholic beverage, while others may only develop hives when exposed to a particular type of alcohol.
Read on to learn more about the connection between alcohol consumption and hives.
Alcohol or certain alcoholic beverages may trigger an immune reaction in some people.
Allergic reactions develop when your body overreacts to triggering substances called allergens. Some of the most common types of allergens include pollen, certain foods, and animal dander.
Researchers have identified several ways in which alcohol or alcoholic beverages may trigger hives.
Mast cells and alcohol hives
When you come into contact with an allergen, your body releases substances to help combat the perceived threat. These substances can cause unwanted reactions, such as hives.
The overactivation of immune cells called mast cells may cause hives after alcohol consumption. Mast cells produce a molecule called histamine that leads to the characteristic signs of hives, such as fluid buildup and inflammation.
Alcohol allergy
Alcohol hypersensitivity affects around 1 in 10 people, and red wine seems to be a particularly common trigger. Most people develop airway reactions like rhinitis or asthma, especially when these conditions are preexisting.
In a 2018 study, researchers reported hypersensitivity reactions following alcoholic beverage consumption in 8% of people who filled out their survey. Of these people, 7.2% reported skin symptoms, such as erythema (skin discoloration), itchiness, or hives.
Ingredients in alcoholic beverages
Food allergies are a relatively common trigger of hives, and some people who develop hives after consuming alcoholic beverages may develop a reaction to ingredients other than the alcohol itself.
Wine seems to be particularly likely to trigger an immune reaction. This may be due to certain ingredients and compounds in wine, such as:
- grapes
- lipid transfer protein Vit v1
- other proteins, such as ovalbumin
- fish gelatin or isinglass
- dairy products
- gum arabic
- enzymes
- molds
Hops, which are often used in brewing beer, may also trigger a reaction in some people.
- raised and itchy bumps or patches
- red or skin-colored bumps
- swelling around the affected area
- burning or stinging
Hives generally occur on one part of your body, but the location can vary.
For instance, in one case study, researchers reported a 19-year-old female who had a 6-month history of skin redness always affecting the right side of her neck, chest, and right arm within seconds of drinking alcoholic beverages. The reactions went away within 10 minutes.
Alcohol hives can be uncomfortable, but they generally resolve within about 24 hours without complications. Symptoms that last 6 weeks or longer are classified as chronic urticaria.
Can drinking alcohol cause anaphylaxis?
Alcoholic beverages are a very rare cause of anaphylaxis, which is a life threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
In a 2009 case study, researchers reported two cases of life threatening anaphylaxis that occurred due to drinking alcohol.
In a 2019 case study, researchers reported one case caused by drinking beer, but the reaction was thought to have been triggered by grains in the beer.
Skin flushing refers to the sudden onset of skin redness or other discoloration, which is often related to an increase in blood flow to the skin’s surface.
Unlike hives, flushing is generally not caused by an allergic reaction. Instead, it may be a sign of alcohol intolerance.
An intolerance occurs when your body can’t properly break down a certain substance, whereas an allergic reaction occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies a certain substance as a threat and overreacts to it.
Alcohol flushing seems to be particularly common in people of East Asian descent. It’s estimated to occur in 36% to 45% of people of this heritage.
General
- eczema
- certain genes
- altered microbiome
People with reactions to alcohol may also be more likely to have certain conditions, such as pre-existing asthma or rhinitis.
Consider connecting with a doctor if you develop hives and the cause isn’t clear, especially if your hives are chronic or recurring.
It’s critical to seek emergency medical attention if you suddenly experience any of the following symptoms:
- swollen lips, mouth, throat, or tongue
- rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
- throat feels tight or difficulty swallowing
- your skin, tongue, or lips become pale, blue, or gray — people with dark skin may see these changes most easily in their hands or soles of their feet
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- fainting
- a child is limp, floppy, or not responding
Doctors can usually diagnose hives simply by looking at your skin, but identifying the trigger may be more difficult.
A doctor will likely ask you about your symptoms and review your medical history.
To find the specific trigger, they may order blood tests to look for certain antibodies in your blood. If a certain food, such as alcohol, is suspected, they may have you consume a small amount to see if it triggers your symptoms.
Most cases of hives are mild and go away on their own when you stop coming into contact with your trigger.
If your hives are caused by alcohol itself, then you may wish to completely avoid or limit your intake of alcohol.
If they’re caused by a specific ingredient found in some beverages, then read different ingredient labels to find a beverage that may suit you. A store specialist can also answer any questions you may have.
A doctor may also prescribe or recommend additional treatments if your hives are chronic, including oral antihistamines and oral or topical corticosteroids.
Taking an oatmeal bath or applying a cold compress and anti-itch cream to hives may also help relieve symptoms.
Alcohol is a potential cause of hives for some people, although it’s not entirely clear how common it is. Hives may develop due to a reaction to the alcohol itself or other ingredients in certain alcoholic beverages.
Hives usually go away once you avoid your trigger. If your hives persist even after you stop drinking alcohol, it’s important to connect with a doctor for allergy testing to see if your reaction may have another cause.