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Allergic to alcohol (not rubbing alcohol)

When I was younger, I never drank. But, when I started to, every time I would drink, my whole face would break out into a big rash or hives. My choice of drink is rum and coke. Never really liked beer. So now after I started to drink on a regular basis, it stopped and I never broke out anymore. Now recently, I quit drinkin again, but say once a month I will have maybe a drink or 2 when I go out. I am now breaking out again. The other day it spread all down my arms.. It was a bad break out. I asked my doctor the other day and he said he never heard of such a thing but to go home, get rubbing alcohol and put it on my forearm. If a rash appeared, then I am allergic to alcohol. So I did, and nothing happened.. It seems to be only when I ingest alcohol internally. So I'm guessing something in liquor? I have no clue. So, I was wondering if anyone knows what it may be? Oh, also, if I take 2 benadryl it does seem to help. I don't know!!!
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Avatar universal
I used to be able to drink beer, wine, or liquor and never had any problems (even if I drank a lot). Then, in my mid-20's I developed either alcohol intolerance or an alcohol allergy. I didn't have restricted breathing but I did have a runny nose and a very noticeable increased heart rate. I'd get this after just one drink, and it didn't matter if it was beer, wine, or liquor. I haven't been tested for allergies but if I take a Claritin a few minutes before I drink, it prevents these symptoms. Don't take Benadryl and then drink because that can cause real problems (read the Benadryl label). Claritin is non-drowsy and safer if you're going to drink. Hope this helps.
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
The allergy to alcohol or to coke even can be due to preservatives, coloring agents, yeast used for brewing, sulfites, gluten products in the alcohol or even to grapes and other bases. You need to go for an allergy testing for the ingredients of the beverage you take to know what you are allergic to.  Hope this helps. Take care!
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Avatar universal
My mom and I are allergic to the preservatives in alcohol but our allergic reaction is asthma. It seems possible that your body could react to it in a different way. I'd see an allergist or a different doc, you know, get a second opinion.
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