When you drink red wine, does your face mirror that ruby glow? Or do your cheeks redden only when you’re drinking cocktails? Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.
Enzyme deficiency. Many Asian populations have a deficiency in alcohol dehydrogenase, the enzyme that breaks alcohol down. “Alcohol is toxic to cells, and when it gets into the cells of your blood vessels, it makes them dilate,” he says. “This reddens the skin and can make you feel warm.” Without enough of this enzyme, alcohol reaches toxic levels much earlier in your cells.
Rosacea. Fair-skinned people of Northern European backgrounds who flush when they drink may have some degree of rosacea. “This very common skin condition is marked by vasomotor instability or hyperactivity,” explains Dr. Vij. “That means lots of things can dilate your blood vessels: alcohol, chocolate, hot beverages and spicy foods — basically, all the good things in life.”
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Why do my cheeks go red when I drink?
What causes alcohol flush reaction? – Image The alcohol flush reaction is a type of alcohol intolerance—not an “alcohol allergy”—and is a condition predominantly due to inherited variations in genes of certain enzymes, causing people to metabolize alcohol less efficiently. During alcohol metabolism, the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) converts alcohol to acetaldehyde, a toxic molecule.
The resulting acetaldehyde is metabolized to nontoxic molecules by another enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). If acetaldehyde is not metabolized efficiently, it can cause release of histamine and thereby trigger flushing and other unpleasant symptoms. Variations in the alcohol dehydrogenase gene, ADH1B, and the aldehyde dehydrogenase gene, ALDH2, are well-known variations that lead to higher acetaldehyde levels due to altered alcohol metabolism and are more common among people of East Asian ancestry.
People of other races and ethnicities, however, can also carry these variations. People who take certain medications that alter alcohol metabolism can also experience the alcohol flush reaction. Such medications include those used to treat diabetes, high cholesterol, and infections.
How do I prevent my cheeks from getting red when I drink?
– There is no way to change the genes or enzyme deficiency. The only way to prevent this red flush and the associated risk for high blood pressure is to avoid or limit the intake of alcohol. Some people use over the counter antihistamines to reduce the discoloration.
Why do my cheeks get red when I drink whiskey?
What Causes My Face to Turn Red While Drinking? – Flushing of your face while drinking is likely caused by a temporary spike in blood pressure. When you drink, your body has trouble metabolizing the alcohol and turns it into acetaldehyde. This compound has a relaxing effect on your entire body, including your blood vessels.
Does alcoholism cause rosacea?
People mistakenly believe anyone with a red face drinks heavily. While researchers have found that drinking alcohol may increase the risk of getting rosacea, it’s important to know that: People who never drink alcohol can get rosacea. Alcoholism doesn’t cause rosacea.
Why am I allergic to alcohol all of a sudden?
Alcohol Intolerance as a Result of Disease – Certain diseases can affect how well alcohol dehydrogenase functions. Hodgkin’s lymphoma, ovarian cancer, breast cancer and other diseases can all cause a sudden onset of alcohol intolerance in those who never before experienced difficulty drinking.
Does alcoholism cause rosacea?
People mistakenly believe anyone with a red face drinks heavily. While researchers have found that drinking alcohol may increase the risk of getting rosacea, it’s important to know that: People who never drink alcohol can get rosacea. Alcoholism doesn’t cause rosacea.
