Many people with eczema or atopic dermatitis say that drinking alcohol can cause eczema flares or make symptoms worse. Like other eczema triggers and sensitivities, alcohol affects everyone differently. In some cases, changing your diet or lifestyle can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups (periods when symptoms are worse).

This article explains five ways alcohol might affect eczema symptoms and treatment. Whether to consume alcoholic drinks is a personal choice, but understanding the possible effects can help you make the best decision for your body and your eczema.

1. Alcohol Consumption Is Linked to Eczema

Alcohol can be a trigger for eczema in some people. Drinking may increase your risk of eczema because alcohol causes inflammation throughout the body. This type of reaction, called systemic inflammation, has been linked to eczema and other skin conditions. Alcohol can also weaken your immune system, which plays a major role in eczema.

Research has also found a possible link between alcohol and eczema in children. A 2012 study showed that people with asthma who drank alcohol during pregnancy were more likely to have children diagnosed with eczema. Although the reason isn’t clear, this finding suggests that alcohol might affect eczema risk.

The research regarding the link is inconsistent, however. Some people report eczema flare-ups, especially after having more than two alcoholic drinks or certain types of drinks, whereas others don’t.

Several MyEczemaTeam members have said that alcohol triggers their flare-ups. One member shared, “If I drink red wine, my skin gets really hot, itchy, and inflamed. Alcohol consumption and eczema, I have found, are not a good mix for healing the skin.” Another stated, “I had too much alcohol last night. It started a flare-up.”

2. Excessive Drinking Can Contribute to Symptoms

The strongest connection between eczema and alcohol is seen in those who drink heavily or over long periods of time. A 2013 study looked at nearly 550 people, half of whom had alcoholism, and found a strong relationship between alcohol misuse and discoid eczema, a type that causes round or oval, itchy, scaly patches on the skin.

Both excessive drinking and poor liver function have been linked to discoid eczema. Alcohol also impairs the body’s immune response, which may raise the risk of secondary infections (infections that occur later) among people with atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema.

Eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis, are more common in people with alcohol use disorders. Some researchers believe the relationship could go both ways: Living with a skin condition like eczema can be stressful, and some people may drink alcohol to cope with stress.

3. Dehydration and Nutritional Changes From Alcohol Can Make Eczema Worse

Alcohol can also cause physical changes that may make eczema worse. For example, alcohol can dehydrate you, which dries out your skin. Dry skin is a common eczema trigger and can lead to a flare-up.

Drinking alcohol makes it harder for your body to absorb and use certain vitamins that support skin health and other body systems. Alcohol can lower your levels of B vitamins — especially B1, B6, and B12 — which are important for skin repair and a healthy immune system.

4. Alcohol Increases Stress and Anxiety, Which Worsens Eczema

Stress is a major trigger for eczema flare-ups. Drinking alcohol can sometimes be a response to stress — but it can lead to even more stress. This can create a vicious cycle, since both anxiety and stress are known to trigger eczema symptoms.

Chronic alcohol use can cause or worsen anxiety. Drinking heavily and often can put your body into a pattern of drinking and withdrawal, which affects chemistry and increases feelings of anxiety — especially as the alcohol wears off. Over time, this cycle can make anxiety worse.

If stress seems to make your eczema flare, reducing your alcohol intake may help reduce both stress levels and eczema symptoms. Finding healthier ways to manage stress while living with eczema, such as meditation, may help both your mental health and your skin.

5. Alcohol Can Negatively Interact With Eczema Medications

Alcohol can have negative interactions with some medications commonly used to treat eczema, such as affecting how your body absorbs the medication. This may make the medication less effective, worsen certain side effects, or raise drug levels in the body to unsafe levels. Some medications can also affect how your body processes alcohol, leading to higher blood alcohol concentrations or poor decision-making.

If you take antihistamines to help prevent or manage eczema flares, drinking alcohol can make you overly drowsy, especially if the antihistamine also causes sleepiness. Some medications used for eczema are metabolized (processed) by the liver, so combining them with alcohol could raise the risk of liver damage.

It’s also best to avoid alcohol if your dermatologist (skin doctor) or another healthcare provider prescribes an antibiotic because your eczema is infected or you’re sick. Alcohol may limit the antibiotic’s effectiveness or lead to side effects. If you’re prescribed an antibiotic, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if it’s safe to drink alcohol during the course of treatment.

Managing Alcohol Consumption and Eczema

One of the best ways to find out what triggers your eczema is to keep a journal. Track what you drink and eat, what you wear, and other possible triggers, then note when your eczema flares. You may find that alcohol triggers your symptoms — or that it has little or no effect on your skin. You can then decide whether to drink at all and, if so, how much and when.

It’s also important to be open with your healthcare team about your alcohol consumption. They can tell you if your eczema medications might interact with alcohol. They can also help you approach alcohol consumption safely. Be honest about your habits and preferences. Your dermatology team is there to help you manage your symptoms, not to judge you.

As you think about how alcohol fits into your life with eczema, also consider other factors, including the types of alcohol you drink, other health risks, and your dermatologist’s advice based on your medical history. Pay attention to the effects of alcohol when you drink.

When Could Drinking Be Problematic?

Some people may notice that they:

• Feel unable to control their drinking
• Have negative emotions when they’re not drinking
• Sense that alcohol is having a harmful effect on their life

These may be signs that it’s time to reflect on your relationship with alcohol. If you have trouble cutting back or continue to drink even though it’s hurting you or others, talk with your doctor or a mental health professional.

Whether you choose to keep drinking, cut back, or stop completely, it’s important to listen to your body. Most importantly, be willing to have open conversations about this topic with the people close to you and with your doctor. They can help you make informed choices and reduce the impact alcohol may have on your health and quality of life.

Find Your Team

MyEczemaTeam is the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones. On MyEczemaTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema.

Have you noticed new eczema flare-ups after consuming alcoholic beverages? Does alcohol seem to affect your eczema? Have you made adjustments to your alcohol intake to help control your eczema? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.