Why do I get a rash after drinking alcohol?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have recently developed flat pink dots on my chest that do not hurt or itch. I have attached a photo of the same. They came after a heavy weekend of drinking and probably the worst hangover I have ever had. The night before the hangover, I had my shirt off for a good time and was outside for a bit.

I do not recall ever having something like this before, and I am very curious as to what it might be. I also had a few cigarettes, and I never smoked. I am a 20-year-old male, who is 6.3 feet tall, and I weigh 185 lbs. I am in good health, and I am not on any current medication.

Please guide.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your post and image (attachment removed to protect patient identity), which you have posted. You have acute onset maculopapular rash, with no other associated symptom like fever, cough, body aches, etc. Any maculopapular rash in adults with no above mentioned systemic symptoms is either allergic or drug-induced. In children, it is usually viral. Did you take any medicine in the past four days? Is the rash only on the chest?

An insect bite is also a possibility. Such rashes should subside in a week. However, you need to keep a watch on the fever. If the rash is bothering you, I would suggest an anti-allergic preferably a combination of Levocetrizine and Montelukasttwice daily for three to five days, but avoid driving if you take these because they may cause excessive sleepiness.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I believe that the rash is allergic and should go with anti-allergic medicines. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) can also cause rashes, but why should we think of it for a rash which started overnight. HIV rash says for months together and is associated with weigh loss, fever, and loose motions. I would suggest relax and take anti-allergic medicines.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.