Alcohol and Eczema: What You Need to Know

If you live with eczema, you're probably already aware of how food, fabrics, and even stress can affect your skin. But one factor that’s often overlooked is alcohol. Whether it’s a glass of wine after work or drinks with friends on the weekend, alcohol can have a surprising impact on eczema symptoms.

How Alcohol Affects Eczema

1. Triggers Flare-Ups

Alcohol can trigger or worsen eczema flare-ups in some people. This is partly because drinking causes your blood vessels to expand, leading to increased redness, itching, and inflammation—something eczema-prone skin doesn’t need more of.

2. Dehydrates the Skin

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes your body lose more fluids than it takes in. This leads to dehydrated skin, which is already a major concern for people with eczema. Dry skin can crack, itch, and become more prone to infection.

3. Weakens the Immune System

Heavy or regular alcohol consumption can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your skin to heal. This could result in longer recovery times from flare-ups or make your skin more vulnerable to infections and irritation.

4. Histamine Reaction

Alcohol—especially red wine, beer, and champagne—can increase histamine levels in the body. For those with eczema, this could mean more itching, hives, or allergic-type reactions.

5. Triggers Stress and Poor Sleep

Alcohol might help you relax at first, but it can actually disrupt your sleep and increase stress levels in the long run—two major triggers for eczema.

Tips for Managing Alcohol and Eczema

Know Your Triggers: Keep a skin diary to track which drinks cause flare-ups. Everyone reacts differently.
Stay Hydrated: If you do drink, follow it with plenty of water to help reduce dehydration.
Limit Intake: Cutting down on alcohol or avoiding it altogether can lead to clearer, calmer skin.
Choose Wisely: Clear spirits like vodka or gin may be less likely to cause reactions compared to wine or beer, but moderation is still key.
Check Ingredients: Some mixers and flavored drinks contain artificial additives, sulphites, or sugar—common irritants for eczema.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to give up alcohol completely, but understanding its effects on eczema is important. By making informed choices and listening to your body, you can enjoy social occasions without sacrificing your skin health.