Alcohol allergy?

[ayatollah]

My problem is rather complicated.  It seems to be a variation of the Asian Flush problem.  I am 19 years old and have had the problem for about 3 years.  Prior to this I could drink to reasonable levels and had not experienced any ill effects.  However since then, I have experienced marked facial reddening, almost like a rash , upon moderate consumption, enough merely to make me tipsy.  The problem does not seem to occur when I am at home, only in a hot, packed pub or restaurant when I am already hot.  I do occasionly experince the same, although far milder symptoms in the winter (central heating, elements).  Any suggestions?  Could it be hormonal, since it is far from universal?

[PS >>>>Annie]

.......What's up w/ that.  Did anybody go there?

[spook]

Heat rash occurs when the sweat glands of the skin become clogged due to extreme sweating. Usually this looks like red "pimples" on skin that is kept sweaty. White "goosebumps" occur if the sweat glands below the skin are affected. Skin feels prickly. Heat rash disappears when the person is returned to cooler temperatures or drinks at home and stays COOL and unstressed.
Some healthy people get used to Partying in a hot Party/Hotel environment within 2-3 days. The complete change takes place within 7-10 days. Similarly, after 2-3 days Partying at a moderate temperature, the adjustment is lost. Adapting to heat is harder for those who are malnourished, elderly, children, overweight, diabetic, or have heart or circulatory problems. However, there is no difference between women and men in heat tolerance, when differences in body size are taken into account.
Because it is so hard to predict how a particular person may tolerate heat When raging in a hot environment, thirst is not a strong enough urge to make a raver drink enough water to replace up to one quart that may be lost per hour. Therefore, in hot environments must be encouraged to drink cool water or non- carbonated, low-sodium beverages about a cupful at a time every 15- 20 minutes. The salt lost from sweat can be replaced by slightly increasing the use of table salt. Those not used to raging in hot sweaty Pubs may need to increase their salt intake a little more than others, but this need lasts only 2-3 days. Salt tablets are NOT recommended.
<b>Alcohol reduces heat tolerance, and is a common factor in heatstroke and rash. It should not be consumed just before or while Partying in heat. </b>
Many prescription drugs interfere with the body's ability to endure heat. Diuretics and antihistamines are common examples. Ask your doctor's advice if you are taking prescription drugs and in a hot environment.
Generally, the body must work harder to maintain itself in hot weather. As a result, it is unreasonable to expect to accomplish as much on a very hot day as on a mild weather day. If you have predisposing factors for heat illnesses, be aware of them, and take it easy. Be sure to keep an eye on others with you, and be alert for headaches, nausea, staggering, dizziness, or other unusual behavior that may mean a heat illness.
Consult your GP.

[Francoise]

Back when I was a moderate to heavy drinker, I noticed that sometimes I would get a similiar reaction as you describe, even though I might have only consumed one beer. I might have purchased a six-pack and was getting ready to watch a movie and drink some beer, say, or whatever. I'd down that first beer and my face would turn red. The scars on my hands and arms would get red and itch. I had slight but noticeable wheezing when I breathed. And when I breathed, there was a noticible exhalation of alcohol. And this started when I was about 22 years old. It got worse with age. I reported it to more than one doctor, and never got a satisfactory explanation, no treatment, nothing.

So there you have it. My story. Hope it helps.

Francoise

[chad]

It good be allergies to smoke, Hops, Barley, Wheat and maybe even bars haha lol.  There was a similar complaint on this board about 2 months ago. There is some good info a little ways down.  It could very well be low moisture levels due to people smoking in bars as well.  IN the winter there are humidifiers built into some furnaces that reduce dry air. They help me alot as well.  Check into it, see if your furnace has a littl "Skuttle" humidifier on the side of the unit.  If not, chances are it could be that. I know beer also gets you blood pressure going and does at times cause redness in the face.  I have a friend who drinks, when he does his face is lolipop red.  Just tell your doctor if you can't troublr shoot with what I gave you.  It could also be something seriously wrong too.  Take Care