Can Alcohol Cause Eczema + Psoriasis?
Alcohol consumption can have a range of effects on the body, including potential impacts on skin health. For those with psoriasis or eczema, cutting out alcohol may be a worthwhile consideration to help manage symptoms and improve overall skin health. However, it's important to understand the potential benefits and risks before making any changes to your lifestyle.
How does Alcohol Affect your Skin?
Drinking alcohol can have several negative effects on the skin. One immediate effect is that alcohol can cause dehydration, which can lead to dry, dull skin. It can also worsen skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. Alcohol is also a diuretic, which means it increases urine production and can lead to electrolyte imbalances. These imbalances can cause the skin to appear swollen or puffy. Alcohol can also weaken the immune system, making the skin more susceptible to infection.
Long-term heavy alcohol consumption can also lead to premature aging of the skin, as it can damage skin cells and reduce the production of collagen and elastin. It's worth noting that the effects of alcohol on the skin can vary depending on the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption, as well as an individual's overall health and skin type.
Can Alcohol Cause Eczema + Psoriasis?
While the exact cause of skin conditions is not fully understood, it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. One potential environmental factor that may contribute to psoriasis + eczema symptoms is alcohol consumption. Alcohol can dehydrate the skin, leading to dryness and irritation, which can exacerbate skin condition symptoms. Alcohol can also weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and inflammation that can trigger eczema or psoriasis flare-ups.
Drinking large amounts of alcohol depletes your system of essential vitamins and hydration- both of which are key for eczema and psoriasis sufferers. Another theory is that you are more likely to develop a skin infection if you drink heavily, suggesting alcohol damages general skin health, not just in skin condition sufferers. Research has also shown that heavy alcohol consumption may be associated with an increased risk of developing skin conditions.
Alcohol is a popular choice for those who are looking to relax and unwind after a long day. However, while it may initially seem to help you sleep, alcohol can actually have a negative impact on the quality of your sleep. When you consume alcohol, it can act as a sedative, making you feel drowsy and relaxed. This may lead you to fall asleep faster than usual. However, despite this initial feeling of drowsiness, alcohol can actually disrupt your sleep patterns. One of the ways alcohol impacts your sleep is by reducing the amount of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep that you get. REM sleep is an important stage of sleep during which your brain processes emotions and memories. Without enough REM sleep, you may wake up feeling groggy and unable to concentrate. Alcohol can also cause you to wake up in the middle of the night. This is because it is a diuretic, which means that it increases urine production and can cause you to need to use the toilet more frequently. This can disrupt your sleep and make it harder to fall back asleep.
We all tolerate alcohol differently. This depends on our gender, age, diet, typical alcohol consumption, and weight. Some skin condition sufferers experience no side effects at all. Others will suffer a nasty flare-up. If you have eczema or psoriasis and notice that alcohol seems to worsen your symptoms, it may be a good idea to limit your alcohol consumption or avoid alcohol altogether.
It can take a few days for alcohol to affect your skin. If you are unsure if alcohol is impacting your skin, try having just 1 or 2 drinks, and observing your skin over the next 2-3 days. Increase this slightly for a special occasion if it does not seem to have a negative consequence. It is, however, inadvisable to drink over the NHS guidelines- 14 units a week.
It's worth noting that different types of alcohol can affect the skin differently. For example, red wine and beer have been known to cause allergic reactions in some people, while clear spirits like vodka and gin may be less likely to do so. However, any alcoholic drink in excess is never a good idea, particularly if you are taking any medications for your condition. Always ask your doctor and read the label in regard to alcohol advice.
It's always a good idea to pay attention to how your skin reacts to different substances and to speak with a dermatologist if you have concerns about the effects of alcohol on your skin. Contact your doctor immediately if you feel depressed and are drinking heavily.
Skin Conditions and Alcohol: What the Research Tells Us
Although not conclusive, the majority of research over the past 20 years indicates that alcohol consumption makes psoriasis worse. This effect seems to be more significant in men than women. Studies also suggest heavy drinkers are more likely to develop psoriasis in the first place than those who abstain. Both of these associations have been observed in those who drink 3 or more alcoholic beverages a week.
A study in 2019 (Reference 1) found that those with psoriasis are more likely to consume a higher-than-average amount of alcohol than the average population. 1 in 3 psoriasis sufferers has issues with drinking. There has been limited research into exactly why this is. Interestingly, this study found a correlation between the severity of psoriasis and the likelihood to abuse alcohol, but only in women.
An earlier study in Pakistan (Reference 2) found drinking alcohol was significantly associated with greater severity of psoriasis symptoms.
Research (Reference 3) has also found a difference in the appearance of psoriasis in heavy drinkers compared to those who drink moderately, or not at all. Psoriasis patients who drink heavily have been observed to suffer from greater levels of inflammation and redness, but less scaling than the average drinker. They were also found to be more likely to suffer from psoriasis on the face, groin, and hands.
Psoriasis and eczema have been linked with depression and anxiety, which is associated with high alcohol consumption and may go some way in explaining the above findings. As the body becomes more reliant on alcohol, the brain chemistry is altered, leading to imbalances in important neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These imbalances can lead to a host of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Many people turn to alcohol as a way to cope with these feelings, only to find that their substance abuse only makes their condition worse. The cycle of alcohol abuse and depression can become a vicious one, with one feeding into the other in a never-ending cycle.
Studies suggest that heavy drinkers are less likely to stick to a treatment plan, which is one possible reason for the severity of symptoms. Alcohol also weakens the body’s ability to process medications effectively, which could have a knock-on effect on skin condition sufferers.
Those with psoriasis are twice as likely to develop nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which in some cases can lead to severe liver disease. For this reason, it is recommended that anyone with psoriasis limits or cuts out alcohol completely. Psoriasis sufferers have a 60% greater chance of dying from alcohol-related causes (Reference 4).
Further research is required into the connection between psoriasis and eczema and alcohol. However, researchers often struggle to find participants for studies, perhaps due to the stigma associated with skin conditions and drinking.
Potential Benefits of Cutting Out Alcohol
Cutting out alcohol may have several potential benefits for those suffering from eczema or psoriasis. First and foremost, it can help to reduce skin dryness and irritation, which are common triggers for flare-ups. Cutting out alcohol can also help to strengthen the immune system, making it easier for the body to fight off infections and inflammation that can contribute to skin condition symptoms. However, it’s important to note that cutting out alcohol may not be a cure-all for eczema or psoriasis and should be done in conjunction with other treatments recommended by your doctor.
Risks and Considerations
While cutting out alcohol may have potential benefits for those with eczema or psoriasis, it’s important to consider the risks and potential drawbacks. For some individuals, cutting out alcohol may be difficult or even impossible due to addiction or other factors. Cutting out alcohol may not be effective for everyone and should be done in conjunction with other treatments recommended by your doctor. It’s important to speak with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Tips for Reducing Your Drinking
Here are a few tips that may help you cut down on your alcohol consumption:
Set specific goals: Decide how much you want to drink and how often you want to drink. This will make you feel empowered and more in control. Setting specific goals can help you track your progress and stay on track. It takes real discipline to stick to your goals, specifically in social settings, so reward yourself when you do.
Keep track of your alcohol intake: Writing down how much you drink can help you become more aware of your consumption and identify patterns or triggers that lead you to drink more. Include as much detail as possible, such as activities, your mood, who you are with, etc, to give you further insights into your drinking habits.
Choose lower-alcohol alternatives: Switching to lower-alcohol drinks or diluting your drinks with soda water or fruit juice can help you reduce your alcohol intake. Check labels for the strength percentage of your drink, and how many units a serving contains.
Drink slowly: Drinking alcohol slowly is a useful and effective way to reduce consumption. Savoring each sip, rather than quickly downing a drink, can help you enjoy the taste and experience of the beverage without overdoing it. When we drink quickly, it is easier to lose track of how much we have consumed, which can quickly lead to overindulgence. When we drink slower, we can be more mindful of our intake and pace ourselves accordingly, reducing the risk of overconsumption and its associated negative effects.
Plan non-drinking activities: Finding alternative activities that don't involve alcohol can help you break the habit of reaching for a drink in certain situations. Try exercise, cooking, reading, volunteering, art, outdoor activities, or mindfulness. By incorporating these non-drinking activities into your life, you can help reduce the urge to drink and promote a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Don't drink on an empty stomach: Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach is a common practice among party-goers and heavy drinkers. While it may seem like a quick way to feel the effects of alcohol, it can be dangerous and have negative consequences for your health. When you drink alcohol on an empty stomach, it is absorbed quickly into your bloodstream, causing a rapid rise in blood alcohol concentration (BAC). This, in turn, can lead to dizziness, vomiting, headaches, and even loss of consciousness. If you are planning to drink alcohol, it is important to eat a meal or snack beforehand. Eating food slows down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream, helping to reduce your BAC and the negative effects of alcohol. Some good options for a pre-drinking meal or snack include protein-rich foods, complex carbohydrates, or fatty foods.
Take breaks: Drinking alcohol can be a fun and social activity, but it's important to remember to take breaks and drink responsibly. Regularly taking breaks can help prevent overconsumption, dehydration, and other negative effects. When drinking alcohol, it's recommended to drink water or non-alcoholic beverages in between alcoholic drinks. This helps you to stay hydrated and can also help pace alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol too quickly can lead to a variety of negative outcomes, including nausea, dizziness, and in extreme cases, alcohol poisoning. Taking a break from drinking altogether is another important technique to ensure responsible drinking. After a few drinks, it's a good idea to pause and reassess how much alcohol has been consumed. It's also important to know your limit - once that limit has been reached, it's time to take a break or stop drinking altogether.
Stay hydrated- Drinking alcohol can be fun and enjoyable, but it can also lead to dehydration. Before you start drinking, make sure you drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Also, try to drink a glass of water in between alcoholic drinks to stay hydrated. Sugary drinks such as cocktails or sodas can dehydrate you even more. Instead, opt for non-alcoholic beverages like water, coconut water, or herbal tea. Food that has high water content, like watermelon, cucumber, berries, and lettuce can help you stay hydrated. Eating hydrating foods before you start drinking can also make it easier for your body to absorb alcohol.
Take your supplements- On the occasions, you do choose to indulge, ensure you are still getting your essential vitamins and minerals. These can all be found in our Skin Condition Support Supplement, along with additional anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to find a strategy that works for you and to seek support if you need it.
Alcohol Alternatives
Going tee-total, or reducing alcohol consumption has become rather popular, are there are now many alternatives available on the market.
Wine- Many people believe red wine is ‘healthier’ than other alcoholic drinks due to the antioxidants it contains. However, the negatives far outweigh the benefits. Red wine contains a group of compounds called tannins, which can cause the skin to become flushed and itchy. Those with eczema + psoriasis are more susceptible to this type of reaction. Red wine also contains histamine, which can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to redness and flushing of the skin. Non-alcoholic wines are often not an acceptable alternative taste-wise so it’s best to choose another beverage altogether.
Spirits- Spirits are stronger than most alcoholic drinks and therefore more de-hydrating. They often come with a sugary mixer, which is even worse news for your skin. If you do decide to have the odd indulgence, go for light-coloured spirits such as gin and vodka, over darker ones such as whisky and rum. Not only do the lighter ones give you less of a hangover, but clear spirits are also usually made from grains or potatoes and do not contain the tannins and other compounds that can cause allergic reactions in some people. Our top pick for an alcohol-free alternative spirit is Three Spirit. There are three different types available-.Nightcap, Social Elixir, and Livener. If you are looking for more of a classic spirits swap, Gordons Alcohol-Free Gin tastes just like the real deal.
Beer- Traditional beer is full of calories and carbohydrates but there are many great-tasting non-alcoholic versions available. These are made in just the same way as regular beer, with the alcohol removed or never added at all. We recommend Becks Blue- a bottled beer that is indistinguishable from the original. Alternatively, try Impossibrew. This beer claims to contain mood enhancers and relaxants, so it feels and tastes just like the buzz you would get from actual alcohol.
Cocktails- Instead of a boozy, calorific cocktail, try making mocktails with sparkling water or fruit juice and added flavoured syrups. This can be a refreshing and hydrating alternative to alcoholic drinks, especially when served over ice. You may also want to try Trip CBD drinks. These drinks contain CBD, which is great for de-stressing and they taste amazing! They are vegan, gluten-free, and only 20 calories a can.
Remember to always read labels and ingredient lists to ensure that the product is indeed non-alcoholic or low-alcohol. It's also a good idea to drink these alternatives in moderation, as some of them can still contain large amounts of calories and sugar.
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Khawaja AR, Bokhari SMA, Rasheed T, et al. Disease severity, quality of life, and psychiatric morbidity in patients with psoriasis with reference to sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical variables: a prospective, cross-sectional study from Lahore, Pakistan. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2015;17
Cassano N, Vesitita M, Apruzzi D, Vena GA. Alcohol, psoriasis, liver disease, and anti-psoriasis drugs. Int J Dermatol. 2011
Parisi R, Webb RT, Carr MJ, Moriarty KJ, Kleyn CE, Griffiths CEM, Ashcroft DM. Alcohol-Related Mortality in Patients With Psoriasis: A Population-Based Cohort Study. JAMA Dermatol. 2017
