Urticaria from alcoholic beverages.

Three cases of urticaria/angioneurotic oedema produced by alcoholic beverages are presented. In two of them, the causative agent was probably yeasts in wines. An intracutaneous test with Candida, a conjunctival provocation test with Candida, and peroral challenge tests with wines were positive in both cases. The symptoms disappeared when the patients went on a low-yeast diet. In the third case, ethanol itself and acetic acid apparently were the factors underlying urticaria. Peroral challenge tests with ethanol, brandy and acetic acid were positive, but those with acetaldehyde remained negative. The patient has been asymptomatic after giving up alcoholic drinks alone.