Red Faced after Drinking?

We've all probably seen it at some stage; the red nose, red face or, in some of the worst cases, splotchy, rash looking skin after drinking alcohol but why does this seem to happen to some people and not everyone? Simply: This is the bodies reaction to the breaking down or metabolism of alcohol. 

In order to properly metabolise or break down alcohol our livers produce an enzyme called Alcohol Dehydrogenase which oxidises Ethanol and converts it into Acetaldehyde and then Acetaldehyde-Dehydrogenase converts it into Acetic Acid (i.e. Vinegar). Where Acetic Acid is quite harmless, Acetaldehyde is more toxic than alcohol and is often referenced as the reason behind many hangover symptoms. 

What does this have to do with Red Faces?

Some people of far-Eastern decent and about 1/10 people of Northern European decent have a mutation of the Acetaldehyde-Dehydrogenase gene which makes it less effective. This can cause a build up of Acetaldehyde after consuming alcohol and lead to Acetaldehyde poisoning. This poisoning can cause symptoms like; flushes of the skin, increased heart and respiration rates, severe abdominal and urinary tract cramping, hot and cold flashes, profuse sweating and general discomfort. 

Though these symptoms are generally associated with people of Asian heritage it is not uncommon for all people to experience these symptoms at some stage or another. The symptoms are simply induced by your body not producing Acetaldehyde-Dehydrogenase quickly enough to metabolise all of the poison. This can be because of inefficiency or over consumption. 

The livers efficiency for producing the enzymes necessary to successfully metabolise alcohol can be affected by damage, caused by excessive drinking or over consumption. Not allowing the liver to recover and repair itself can also result in a reduction of these enzymes and a higher chance of poisoning.