[sageofages]

Originally Posted by Dionysus

I thought this was something that only happened to Asians. I have everything but Asian in me. Last night my face got really hot after a drink and a half. What did that mean? Does anyone (non-Asian) else ever flush after drinking?

Aside from the obvious jokes that this spawned...

Yes...I develop a flush and hives like rash after drinking some kinds of alcohol. Most of the women in my family do. One of my younger sisters is so allergic to alcohol she can not even have contact with it on her skin.

It has to do with the development of an allergy to both the alcohol and to the sulfites that are used in the wine.

I flush most frequently after drinking wine. I have found I am pretty much limited to meads for wine. Communion wine makes me flush like you wouldn't believe.

It does show an increased allergic reaction that grows more severe over time and eventually all alcohol should be avoided.

It can become serious...be careful.