Alcohol

[Chris_]

Hi i'm aware that alcohol can cause flare ups. For me the worst is red wine.

Does any one know of an alcoholic drink I can enjoy that doesn't cause flare ups, white wine?

Regards Chris

[Melissa W]

Hi Chris,

What I find is that red wine and white wine cause an immediate flush (for me) but hard liquor just lowers my threshold to flushing. Meaning that if I order a gin and tonic I won't flush immediately but I am more susceptible to a flush than if I never had the drink to begin with. Wine causes an almost immediate flush and other alcohol just makes me more likely to flush than if I had no alcohol at all. Everyone is different though so you will only know by experimenting... There are worse experiments you could do :wink: Enjoy!

Best wishes,
Melissa

[kristina b]

Hi Chris,

I think Melissa's definitely got the right idea here - you'll just need to try and see! I'm similar in that red wine will cause a flush straight away, but I can get away with a gin and tonic. I can also manage the odd glass of champagne, which is nice! But everyone's different. I don't think I've had any beer for ages anyway, so no idea how flush-inducing that is for me.

Best wishes,
Kristina

[IowaDavid]

Take a benadryl, or a long-acting otc anti-histamine. Stick to clear stuff--vodka or white wine should be best. Gin and light rum may be iffy. This is only my experience--use your best judgment and drink some iced water through the evening.

[moomy]

I always drink gin and tonic and, if anything, it improves my condition for a day or two.

[Melissa W]

I wonder it that has anything to do with the quinine in the tonic?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinine

It seems that Quinine has anti-inflammatory properties.

[Sdavis]

I have heard that gin and tonic is a good choice. I get a red flush when I drink wine.

I have a problem with wheat. I know they now have a wheat free beer. Made without wheat and barley.

http://www.redbridgebeer.com/homePage.aspx

[laura]

which is best to take clairitin or aspirin