As many as 40% of patients with alcohol use disorder are admitted to the ICU due to their alcohol withdrawal symptoms (AWS). However, only 24% of patients with alcohol use disorder are ever treated.
When left untreated, the mortality rate from withdrawal and detoxing is high. If you’re experiencing detox symptoms, you might notice a rash from detox of alcohol. Don’t hesitate to seek professional detoxing treatment.
In the meantime, read on to learn more about how detoxing from alcohol can affect your skin.
Withdrawal-Induced Itching
Your rash or itchy skin can range from mild to severe as you begin detoxing from alcohol. It can occur between 48 and 96 hours after your last drink It can present as:
- Itchy skin
- Burning and tingling
- A crawling sensation
- Skin damage
These symptoms are similar to a reaction caused by a bug bite. The irritating sensation can lead you to scratch, which might cause skin damage. Dryness, redness, swelling, and blotchiness are common symptoms as well.
Drinking extreme amounts of alcohol affects several organs, including your body’s largest organ: your skin. You might develop a rash while detoxing due to malnutrition or dehydration. An underlying health condition or chronic liver disease can cause itchy skin as well.
Malnutrition is common and the most serious among detox side effects. Heavy drinking can affect your appetite, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Alcohol also hinders your body’s ability to absorb the nutrients needed for good skin health.
These nutrients include vitamin A, niacin, and zinc. Without these nutrients, you can experience:
- Ache
- Redness
- Rosacea
- Rashes
- Inflammation
- Flakiness
- Premature aging
- Itchy sensations
Alcohol is a diuretic, which can interfere with hydration. Your skin needs water to remain healthy. Otherwise, you could develop a detox rash.
If you’ve developed a rash after detoxing from alcohol, visit a detox center. You can find the best detox program here.
Prevention
There are ways to prevent detox symptoms, including a rash.
First, try to adopt healthy coping strategies for dealing with stress. Provide your body with the care and nutrients it needs with:
- Rest
- Water
- A balanced diet
- Vitamin supplements
Remember, you can develop a vitamin deficiency after prolonged drinking. Vitamins, a balanced diet, and water can replenish your body.
In most cases, a rash or itching due to detoxing from alcohol isn’t permanent. Symptoms should subside within two to seven days.
If you experience delirium tremens (DT), however, you could need hospitalization and alcohol addiction treatment.
Seek Treatment and Avoid a Rash From Detox
If you want to avoid a rash from detox, consider visiting a detox center. Professional treatment can help minimize your detox symptoms. You’ll have peace of mind detoxing under the supervision of a medical professional.
Otherwise, take care of your body and skin while detoxing from alcohol.
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