Possible alcohol allergy? Dehydration? Liver? What is this?

Question

In my early 20s, I drank heavily and almost daily without any real problems. The past 5 years it's very rare if I ingest any alcohol more than once a month. The past 1-2 years I've noticed that the day AFTER I drink I develop a painful skin 'condition' which feels like just a sunburn WITHOUT any redness/flushing/rash. It usually involves my upper arms, torso and thighs being painful when touched. It takes anywhere between 2-5 days before fully going away. It has happened with as little as 2 beers (or more), mixed liquor drinks or wine.

I read much about alcohol related allergies but found nothing involving this particular symptom. Most refer to rashes or flushing of the skin which I never have. I haven't found anything about painful skin. Has anyone heard of this? Could this be a simple allergy or a symptom of some other problem? Liver or kidney disorder? If it's dehydration, why would this be happening now and never in the past?

I have no problem quitting altogether if that is the only answer but I'd still like to know what is causing this.

I am not on any kind of medication of any kind nor do I use any other drugs

Answer 1

My suspicion is that it is reaction in the presence of another medication.

There are cells in the blood called the "Mast Cells" they produce chemicals causing swelling, redness and pain. It is typically activated with allergy. But what you are describing sounds more like a drug reaction, or an overreaction to alcohol.

1- First check what medications you are taking, even over-the-counter ones like acetaminophen (Tylenol), that is metabolized by the liver. Also birth control medication or any other drugs.

2- Then establish the cause-effect relationship, drink alcohol and write down the symptoms --> then do not drink alcohol for a while (for about 5 to 6 times the period it took for the reaction to appear) and write down the outcomes --> then drink again and document the symptoms.

3- Know that ANYTHING at all can cause allergic reaction, their is what is called "aquagenic urticaria", yes allergy to water. Know also that different people react differently to the same allergen. You may also have allergies or reaction to allergens, food or medication.

4- The next step is to check the liver function and the kidney function. This will now have to be done by a doctor. You can not afford to have liver disease and not seek proper medical attention.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I think it's an allergy. Allergies can develop in severity over time, they kind of build up. When you were in your 20's you may have had the problem but not noticed the symptoms. With allergies the more exposure to something can cause it to be worse. Example; Say a man is allergic to bee stings. He's been stung before, twice, the first time excessive swelling and pain. the next time super excessive swelling, excruciating pain and shortness of breath. Now an epie-pen is necessary in case he gets stung again. The same is true of allergies to food and drink. You may want to go to your doctor and have some allergy testing, it may be something as common as wheat or a specific type of grain. In any case it would best to know so you don't come across whatever it is in something different.

Hope you find your answer best wishes.

Answer 3

Dehydration And Allergies

Answer 4

These symptoms definitely sound like an alcohol intolerance. Sometimes it stems from other things in the alcohol caused by the fermentation/distillation processes, which could be why some types of alcohol are more irritating to you than others. The intolerance itself is normally caused by a genetic inability to break down the alcohol, and the only way to treat it is to avoid drinking altogether. (I know, lousy news!) Because there is the possibility of severe complications like anaphylaxis, you should take this seriously. I realize drinking is part of the college experience for most students, but just have a soda or seltzer. You can still have fun with your friends without making yourself sick or endangering your life! Good luck, sweetie.

Answer 5

You have poisoned your body with alcohol, it's your body's way of saying enough is enough. Quit now before you do damage your liver, it's not pretty when that happens. My Aunt died from liver failure, she was a closet alcoholic and nobody knew it. Once her liver went into failure there was nothing anybody could do to save her.

Answer 6

I have experienced something similar after having a few drinks and feel it mostly in my entire back, shoulders & upper arms. I feel sore to the touch,bruised without the discoloration. I am in my mid 40's & it's been happening the past few years. I haven't found an answer yet either.

Answer 7

Inflammatory disorders, B12 deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, and rheumatologic conditions (such as connective tissue disorders and fibromyalgia) can give diffuse symptoms. These disorders can be evaluated with blood work, and a consultation with a rheumatologist. Also, if other causes have been excluded psychological stressors can also cause similar symptoms.

Answer 8

You are suffering from dehydration. You must drink lots of water to restore lost fluids.

Answer 9

A man went to his doctor and said -
Doc, when I do this it hurts -
The doc said -
Don't do this -
GET THE MESSAGE??

Answer 10

your probly allergic to it now .....see a doctor