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Alcohol and Eczema
What you need to know
For anyone living with eczema, identifying and avoiding triggers is a vital part of daily life. One potential trigger that can be easy to overlook? Alcohol. For some people, drinking alcohol can make eczema symptoms worse, causing increased redness, dryness, itching and flare-ups.
In this guide, we will break down how alcohol can affect eczema, why it may trigger flare-ups, and most importantly, what you can do to reduce its impact and manage your symptoms.
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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.
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Tips for Managing Alcohol and Eczema
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Know Your Triggers: Keep a skin diary to track which drinks cause flare-ups. Everyone reacts differently.
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Stay Hydrated: If you do drink, follow it with plenty of water to help reduce dehydration.
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Limit Intake: Cutting down on alcohol or avoiding it altogether can lead to clearer, calmer skin.
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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.
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Check Ingredients: Some mixers and flavoured 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.