Alcohol and hives are linked to an allergy to alcohol itself or one of the ingredients added to adult beverages. Allergies to alcohol, or ethanol, are rare but they do happen when people drink or come into contact with alcohol on the skin. Most alcohol and hives connections occur from sulfites, histamines, yeasts, or dyes added to beer and wine.

Some people suffer from alcohol intolerance, a condition that makes them extra sensitive to reactions to alcohol and hives. They may break out in a rash immediately after consuming a drink, or the reaction might occur several hours later. This relationship between alcohol and hives is more prevalent in Asian populations.

The histamines in wine spark an allergic reaction in some people, with red wine containing more of the chemical than white wine. Histamines occur naturally in the body and help cells release substances to fight allergic responses. The correlation between alcohol and hives might indicate an excess of histamines in a person’s system, especially if a rash breaks out each time a person consumes alcohol.

Sulfites represent a common preservative used in the manufacturing of alcoholic beverages. Someone allergic to these substances might notice an association between alcohol and hives after imbibing. When sulfites cause hives, they might also prompt reactions similar to asthma, such as a cough or trouble breathing. A rash might also indicate an underlying medical condition not connected to alcohol and hives.

The body’s immune system plays a part in the development of hives, also called urticaria. When an allergen enters the body, the immune system attempts to fight it and rid the body of the foreign substance. This often appears as raised, red, itchy bumps or welts that might become swollen and appear in clusters. Hives can appear anywhere on the body, but are commonly seen on the back, legs, and arms.

People who suffer from hives from other disorders might see the condition get worse when they drink alcohol. Allergies might come from food, drugs, insect stings, animals, or pollen. Some common foods that might produce allergic symptoms include peanuts, citrus fruits, shellfish, milk, and eggs. Hives might also erupt from too much exposure to the sun, bacterial or fungal infection, or stress.

When doctors determine an association between alcohol and hives, they commonly suggest the patient refrain from using alcohol. Physicians might prescribe antihistamine drugs to relieve the itching and swelling. Medication to address inflammation might also be ordered. Cortisone drugs are used on a short-term basis when hives are severe.