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I Have Just Recently Went Off To College And Have
Question: I have just recently went off to college and have been drinking fairly heavily for the past month or so. The past 2 times, however, I have gotten this very red and blotchy almost rash thing all over my face neck and chest area. What is this and should I go see my regular doctor about it?
Brief Answer:
You seem to have alcohol intolerance- please see your doctor and check your liver function and also get further assistance if you decide to withdraw from alcohol
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Some patients do flush when they use alcohol. You may have tolerated large amounts of alcohol for a while but you may have exhausted the capacity of your liver to metabolize alcohol. This may happen in some patients that have a genetic variation that makes them more sensitive to alcohol use and puts them at risk for alcohol intolerance.
It is well recognized that patients that develop flushing after using alcohol are at increased risk for complications from alcohol compared to those that do not flush.
I would recommend you to:
- not use more than 2 units of alcohol a day
- to calculate the units of alcohol in different alcoholic beverages you can use the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/calculating-alcohol-units/
- I would recommend you to see your doctor as soon as possible for two main reasons: one is to check how is your liver doing and check the liver function and also access help so you can safely withdraw from alcohol in case you decide to do so.
- Please remember that quitting alcohol may cause serious complications if not done in the proper way so you will need the assistance of your doctor with drugs that make the process easier and safer
- your doctor may also help with treatment for anxiety and depression if these are present (alcohol use is often associated with anxiety or depression)
I hope this answers your query and is helpful to you. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
You seem to have alcohol intolerance- please see your doctor and check your liver function and also get further assistance if you decide to withdraw from alcohol
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Some patients do flush when they use alcohol. You may have tolerated large amounts of alcohol for a while but you may have exhausted the capacity of your liver to metabolize alcohol. This may happen in some patients that have a genetic variation that makes them more sensitive to alcohol use and puts them at risk for alcohol intolerance.
It is well recognized that patients that develop flushing after using alcohol are at increased risk for complications from alcohol compared to those that do not flush.
I would recommend you to:
- not use more than 2 units of alcohol a day
- to calculate the units of alcohol in different alcoholic beverages you can use the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/calculating-alcohol-units/
- I would recommend you to see your doctor as soon as possible for two main reasons: one is to check how is your liver doing and check the liver function and also access help so you can safely withdraw from alcohol in case you decide to do so.
- Please remember that quitting alcohol may cause serious complications if not done in the proper way so you will need the assistance of your doctor with drugs that make the process easier and safer
- your doctor may also help with treatment for anxiety and depression if these are present (alcohol use is often associated with anxiety or depression)
I hope this answers your query and is helpful to you. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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