Alcohol Detox Effects On Skin: Dehydration And Itchiness

Quitting alcohol after a period of chronic, heavy drinking may cause a number of symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, including effects on the skin.

Because excessive alcohol consumption can affect the skin, as well as other organs associated with skin conditions, getting sober may also cause certain side effects.

Here you’ll find information on effects of alcohol on the skin, how alcohol detox affects the skin, and for how long effects on the skin from alcohol detoxification lasts.

What Happens To Your Skin When You Stop Drinking?

Alcohol consumption is associated with a number of effects on the skin, including skin dryness, redness, alcohol-induced premature aging, inflammation, and acne.

When you stop drinking, some of these effects may go away. However, in some cases, skin conditions may get worse before they get better. This can be a sign of healing.

During the detox process, the body will begin to recover from the effects of heavy drinking. However, you may still notice some side effects on skin, such as itchiness, clamminess, and dryness.

Clammy Skin And Alcohol Detox

Alcohol withdrawal affects the central nervous system, which helps to regulate functions such as body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Clammy skin, as well as hot and cold flashes, are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal that may begin to occur within six to 24 hours after your last drink.

Dry Skin And Alcohol Detox

Alcohol is known to dehydrate the skin. For people with a history of heavy drinking, this dehydration and dryness may last for several days after you’ve stopped drinking.

It can take the skin some time to readjust to the lack of alcohol in your system and for it to begin healing from the effects of heavy alcohol consumption.

Itchy Skin And Alcohol Detox

Itchy skin, also known as pruritus, is not a commonly discussed symptom of alcohol withdrawal, but it can occur—especially if you’re malnourished or have another underlying illness.

Factors that can contribute to itchy skin during alcohol detox include:

• zinc deficiency
• anemia
• opioid dependence
• liver and kidney disease
• psychiatric conditions (e.g. anxiety)
• thyroid problems
• nerve disorders
• other skin conditions (e.g. eczema)

If you feel extremely itchy, or have a sense that there are invisible bugs crawling on your skin, this can also be a sign of severe alcohol withdrawal, or delirium tremens (DTs).

What Factors Can Influence The Effects Of Alcohol Detox On Skin?

Side effects of alcohol detox and acute withdrawal can be influenced by a number of factors related to your substance use, overall health, and underlying health conditions.

Factors that can influence effects on skin include:

• amount of alcohol consumed
• duration of heavy drinking
• liver and kidney function
• certain medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, anemia)
• use of other drugs (e.g. opiates, benzodiazepines)
• nutritional status
• co-occurring mental health conditions

Other personal factors such as age and genetics can also play a role in physical symptoms of alcohol detox and the body’s process of healing in early sobriety.

Nutritional Deficiencies And Alcohol Detox Effects On Skin

Another key player in skin health that is relevant to alcohol detox is the body’s nutrients and nutrient deficiencies that can develop as a result of alcohol abuse and addiction.

Malnutrition related to alcohol abuse may affect:

• skin complexion
• skin structure
• sensations like itchiness
• dryness of skin
• flakiness

During alcohol detox and into early recovery, taking vitamin and mineral supplements, as well as eating a balanced diet, may help to counteract some of these effects.

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Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff