Beer allergy from Iraq

I used to be able  to drink beer without any problems for many years.  I went to Iraq and did not drink for several months in the field.  I was outprocessing and was given a beer(american domestic) and I broke out in a rash and started getting nauseas.  I was told it was because of some chemical I came in contact with while in Iraq.  Is this possible and is there a cure?  I know nothing of any chemical contact, just a period of time without dinking beer.  Any ideas.

Thanks, RDC

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

It is usually not the alcohol that produces the allergic reaction to the wine or beer. The other ingredients in the alcohol, such as yeast, sulfur dioxide, and additives are often the culprits. Beer may contain a variety of ingredients, including barley, corn, wheat, and rye that may precipitate an allergic reaction.
ref:http://www.aaaai.org/patients/advocate/2006/winter/wineandbeer.asp

I feel that it is important to find out the ingredient in beer to which you might be allergic.For that pls consult an allergy specialist and get skin ***** tests and blood tests for allergy done. If the skin testing is negative, it is likely that you are intolerant to wine and beer. If the skin testing is positive, you should avoid food and drink that contain that specific ingredient.

Take care and pls do keep us posted if you have any additional queries.