White wine & Eczema

Eczema /

Triggers /

White wine

Alcohol

Lower histamine than red wine but higher sulfites (up to 350 mg/L). If red wine is tolerated but white is not, sulfites are the likely trigger. Fining agents may also introduce hidden dairy, egg, or fish proteins.

🎯 Symphony Trigger Score

2/5

Summary

White wine presents a different trigger profile from red wine. It typically has much lower histamine (3–120 µg/L compared to red wine's 60–3,800 µg/L) but often has higher sulfite levels — up to 350 mg/L. Sulfites were named the Contact Dermatitis Allergen of the Year 2024 because of their underrecognised role in skin reactions. If red wine is tolerated but white causes a reaction, sulfites are likely the trigger.

If both cause reactions equally, the alcohol itself — which triggers mast cells, impairs histamine breakdown, and increases gut permeability — is the more likely mechanism. White wine also has a less obvious hidden allergen issue: the fining agents used to clarify white wine can include casein (dairy), isinglass (fish), or egg white, meaning traces of these allergens can remain in the bottle.

The Details - White wine & Eczema

Reaction Timeline

Immediate (minutes to 2 hours), Short delay (2–12 hours)

Sulfite reactions can be rapid (bronchoconstriction in sensitive asthmatics within minutes). Histamine/alcohol effects within hours. Fining agent allergen reactions are immediate.

How Much Is Needed To React?

Dose-dependent

One glass is different from a bottle. Sweet/dessert wines tend to have more added sulfites than dry wines. If you tolerate red wine but not white wine, sulfites may be your issue (since red wine has MORE histamine but LESS sulfites).

Does Preparation Matter?

Yes — preparation significantly changes reactivity

Young white wines may be better tolerated than aged. Sweet wines often have more added sulfites than dry. Organic/biodynamic wines may have lower added sulfites (but still contain naturally occurring sulfites from fermentation). Fining agents (casein, egg, isinglass) leave only trace amounts but can trigger highly sensitized individuals. Some winemakers now use vegan fining. [16][19]

Also Watch Out For...

Red wine — higher histamine, lower sulfites [16]
Beer — fermentation-derived histamine
Dried fruit — sulfites as preservative (see #81)
Bottled lemon/lime juice — often contains sulfites
Champagne/sparkling wine — similar sulfite profiles

What To Use Instead

Vodka or gin with soda (distilled — minimal histamine and sulfites)
Sake (rice-based — different fermentation profile; lower histamine)
Non-alcoholic sparkling white grape juice (check for sulfites)
Sparkling water with fresh herbs (if abstaining)

Hidden Sources

White wine in cooking sauces (cream sauces, risotto, mussels)
White wine vinegar in dressings
Sparkling wine/champagne (same sulfite concern)
Spritzers and cocktails with white wine
Some dessert sauces (zabaglione)
Prosecco and Cava

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This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Food triggers are highly individual — a food appearing in this database does not mean it will cause your eczema to flare. The information presented is drawn from published clinical research and patient community reports, but it is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If you suspect a food allergy or sensitivity, consult a dermatologist or allergist. The gold standard for identifying food triggers remains a supervised elimination diet with oral food challenges. Symphony is a tracking tool, not a diagnostic or medical device.