The Asian flush is best known for creating a lobster-red face and neck when people drink alcohol, but the condition also results in a heightened heart rate, headache and nausea. That’s because people who turn tomato red when they drink alcohol lack activity by an enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). Facial flushing while drinking alcohol occurs if you have a faulty version of a specific gene. For measuring the level of flush reaction to alcohol, the most accurate method is to determine the level of acetaldehyde in the blood stream. But if you don’t consume alcohol daily, this doesn’t mean that you can drink as much as you’d like in a single sitting. Plus, it increases your risk of experiencing an alcohol flush reaction and a nasty hangover.

This condition can be incredibly unsightly, uncomfortable, and embarrassing. It may deter you from getting drinks with friends, going on dates, and living life to the fullest. And fortunately, there are solutions that will help you eliminate the dreaded red face from drinking once and for all. An enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase, coded by the gene ALDH2 is responsible for this metabolism.

Sunset Forte Alcohol Flush Support

Preventing alcohol face redness may need specific lifestyle changes. These changes may not always be easy and can affect a person’s how to stop drinking at home social life or personal preferences. This can be worse for people with specific dietary needs or medical conditions.

Apart from this, alcohol may also increase your risk of skin infections. That’s because alcohol can interfere with your immune system, placing you at a higher https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/the-consequences-of-alcohol-symptoms-and-effects/ risk of skin infections such as cellulitis. Some studies also suggest that alcohol may delay wound healing and raise the risk of wound infections [9, 10].

Tips for Treating Redness Caused by Drinking

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use disorder or substance abuse issues, call our helpline to learn about our treatment options today. The dilation of the blood vessels in the face can occur when having chocolate, hot beverages, or even spicy food. Just a touch of cream blush, tinted lip gloss and eyebrow pencil is all you need to brighten the face and draw attention up and away from the eyes.

• Choice House is a full continuum, long-term men’s recovery program.
• Alcohol intolerance is caused by a genetic condition in which the body can’t break down alcohol efficiently.
• Facial flushing after alcohol consumption may show an increased risk of alcohol-related cancers.4 This includes conditions like esophageal, liver, or head and neck cancers.
• Oh, and that old trick of drinking a glass of water between each drink to give your liver some assistance.

When the body breaks down alcohol and ethanol, it uses metabolites to process it and flush it through the body. Those with an alcohol sensitivity build up higher levels of a specific metabolite, acetaldehyde. While most are aware of the long-term effects of drinking, a single night of drinks can cause temporary facial appearance issues sometimes deemed “hangover face”. Hangover face manifests with the skin appearing oddly puffy, inflamed, and swollen following a night of throwing them back. A personalized action plan can help you gradually cut back on your drinking. Many Sunnyside members find that gradually reducing their alcohol intake is more sustainable and achievable compared to going cold turkey right away.