Psoriasisand alcohol use may not be a good combination.
Alcohol is commonly assumed to trigger the immune dysfunction that results ininflammation.
Chronic alcohol use can induce persistent systemic inflammation.
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This may in turn increase the production of inflammatory triggers that cause the overgrowth of skin cells in psoriasis.
An increase in inflammation can trigger psoriasis flare-ups and prevent psoriasis from going into remission.
The pain and appearance of psoriasis also have a physical and emotional impact.
It is not unusual for people to turn to alcohol to handle the stress of this disease.
However, short-term relief from alcohol can result in long-term consequences, including more severe symptoms and weakened treatments.
Benefits of Quitting Alcohol
Quitting alcohol can do more than improve your psoriasis symptoms.
You will likely notice a difference in your skin before and after quitting alcohol.
These can include both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Regular alcohol consumption can also harm the liver, limiting treatment options.
Other medications are known to directly interact with alcohol, lowering their efficacy.
Everyone reacts to alcohol differently.
It is essential to determine any potential interactions between alcohol and any medications you take regularly.
Most studies examine only alcohol consumption in general.
The percentage of pure alcohol is expressed as alcohol by volume (ABV) and varies across beverage types.
ABV is expressed by the number of milliliters of ethanol per 100 milliliters (or 3.4 ounces).
It can occur as a mild, moderate, or severe condition.
There is a strong link between psoriasis and alcoholism.
It can be an endless loop of stress, which may make some more vulnerable to alcohol use disorder.
Dealing with emotional problems, such as depression, can trigger this throw in of alcohol abuse.
Summary
Alcohol can work to increase the inflammation that causes psoriasis.
This can result in more flare-ups and more intense symptoms.
Drinking too much can also reduce the effects of some treatments.
However, people with psoriasis do not have to give up drinking in every case.
Kearney N, Kirby B.Alcohol and Psoriasis for the Dermatologist: Know, Screen, Intervene.Am J Clin Dermatol.
2013;35(2):155-71.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.What is a standard drink?
National Psoriasis Foundation.Causes and triggers.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Understanding alcohol use disorder.
