While drinking lightly, I turn very red everwhere. How can I avoid this?

Question

I was wondering if anyone knew of any home remedies or suggestions to help me out. I've heard of the "asian flush", and I assume that thats what I have-- the lack of enzymes. When I drink, even after one drink, I look like I am drunk and it's very embarrassing trying to explain.

The only way I've found to slow it down is to drink water heavily while I'm drinking-- but then I'm always making trips to the bathrom. Quite embarrassing.

So pretty much me + alcohol = embarrasing.

I LOVE the taste of alcohol, and I would like to be able to drink casually! Anybody know anything to help???

Wow, so many answers so fast! To answer some of your questions...

-I'm not allergic to any foods, spices, etc.. just alcohol I guess.
-I'm medium skinned I guess you could say, white not of any specific origin-- but I tan very easy so I'm tan like all year.

Thank you everyone for all your support so far :)

My blood pressure was 150/60 last time I was at the doctor. I'm 20 yrs old

oops 120/60

Answer 1

I used to get that too but only when I skulled shooties of spirits or liquer... I had to change my drinking habits and avoid anything with a high alcohol content and all the normal stuff like drink milk before going out or have something to eat something that could help absorb some of the alcohol!!

Answer 2

It happens to me also. Even after one beer, I start getting red blotchy marks all over me, especially my neck and chest. I let this go on for a while, and then one day, like you said, it sometimes gets really embarrassing. So the next time I went to the doctor's for something, I mentioned this to him and he asked me some questions, then he looked at my chart and he said it was because I was on the border-line of having high blood pressure. I'm on medication for my blood pressure, and yes I know that I shouldn't be even drinking, but when I do drink, the blotchy red rash is not nearly as bad as it used to be. I still get it, but it's not so embarrassing anymore.

Answer 3

There's no way to avoid it. Like you said, it's a lack of enzymes, an inability to process the alcohol in your blood stream. Just get over it. Who cares what you look like when you're drinking? Most people are too drunk to notice anyway!

Answer 4

Stop drinking alcohol, but wait you can have the taste of crisp beer with miller lite's 'sharp's non-alcoholic beer" I don't drink but I've had "sharp's" and after reading reviews from other "sharp's" taste just like beer!

Answer 5

Obviously don't drink, your body obviously doesn't like it. Nobody loves the 'taste' of alcohol, I was a bartender I saw the faces people make, like when you give a toddler gross medicine.

Answer 6

Actually there is nothing you can do about it. You are just overly sensitive to alcohol's vasodilation properties. I do suggest however that you not drink. You may have serious problems metabolizing it and could severely damage your liver and/or kidneys.

Answer 7

That happens to me after eating chinese food or anything with MSG in it. I get an allergic reaction. Is there any chance your diet is linked to it. MSG + alcohol is a bad mix.

Answer 8

STAY OUT IN THE SUN FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME-
YOU'LL EITHER BE RED FROM SUNBURN OF EVENTUALLY DARKER- EITHER WAY THE REDNESS WILL BE LESS NOTICEABLE- or OPTION#2 STAY DRUNK ALL THE TIME- YOU WILL ALWAYS STAY THE SAME COLOR-(except for occassional Vomit discoloration) or OPTION#3 QUIT DRINKING

Answer 9

Don't drink. Your system is trying to tell you something. It is causing an allergic reaction which could get worse.

Answer 10

Most likely an allergy. If it's not serious, tell me people you're allergic but you drink anyway, makes you sound tougher.