Alcohol's Impact on Eczema Flare-Ups: Is Consumption a Trigger?
In a world where alcohol is often seen as a social lubricant, it's essential to understand its impact on our health, particularly for those living with eczema. Recent research has uncovered a significant link between alcohol consumption and eczema, a common inflammatory skin condition.
Heavy or prolonged alcohol use has been strongly linked to certain forms of eczema, such as discoid eczema, and can impair immune responses, increasing the risk of secondary skin infections in people with atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema[1].
The relationship between alcohol consumption and eczema development and flare-ups primarily involves alcohol's role in causing systemic inflammation, weakening the immune system, and dehydrating the skin, all of which can contribute to eczema onset or worsening symptoms.
Alcohol triggers inflammation throughout the body, which is connected to eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions[1]. It weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections that may worsen eczema symptoms[1]. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect, drying out the skin, which is a common eczema trigger[1]. Moreover, alcohol consumption can reduce levels of crucial B vitamins (B1, B6, and B12) needed for skin repair and immune health, potentially aggravating eczema[1].
While some individuals may drink alcohol to cope with the stress of living with eczema, this can create a cycle where drinking worsens eczema, leading to more stress and additional alcohol use[1].
For people with eczema, alcohol consumption may trigger symptoms such as itchiness or dry skin. To determine if alcohol is a trigger for eczema symptoms, a person can try avoiding alcohol for a sustained period and then reintroducing it.
It's important to note that not all products containing the word "alcohol" on ingredient labels are astringent or drying. Examples of fatty alcohols that do not need to be avoided include cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, lanolin alcohol. However, when avoiding alcohol in skin products, a person should read ingredient labels and avoid products containing ethyl alcohol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, SD alcohol 23-A, SD alcohol 40, SD alcohol 40-B, or "Alcohol denat.".
Repeated exposure to alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause significant damage to the skin barrier, especially when used with other irritants like sodium lauryl sulfate.
Research has found high rates of alcohol misuse among people with eczema, with 23% of people with eczema also having alcohol use disorder. People with eczema may have a deficiency in diamine oxidase (DAO), a chemical that metabolizes histamine, which can exacerbate eczema symptoms.
If you find yourself struggling to manage your alcohol consumption in relation to your eczema, seeking help is crucial. Anyone who is having difficulty managing their eczema can get help from a primary care doctor or dermatologist. For those dealing with addiction, help is available. Seeking help for addiction may feel daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
In summary, alcohol consumption can both increase the risk of developing eczema and trigger flare-ups for those who already have the condition, mainly by promoting inflammation, compromising the immune response, causing skin dryness, and impairing nutrient balance necessary for skin health. Reducing or avoiding alcohol may help mitigate these effects and support improved skin condition over time.
- Heavy or prolonged alcohol use can impair immune responses, increasing the risk of secondary skin infections in people with atopic dermatitis, a common form of eczema.
- Alcohol triggers inflammation throughout the body, which is connected to eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions.
- Alcohol can reduce levels of crucial B vitamins needed for skin repair and immune health, potentially aggravating eczema.
- While some individuals may drink alcohol to cope with the stress of living with eczema, this can create a cycle where drinking worsens eczema, leading to more stress and additional alcohol use.
- People with eczema may have a deficiency in diamine oxidase, a chemical that metabolizes histamine, which can exacerbate eczema symptoms.
- Seeking help for managing alcohol consumption or addiction is crucial for those with eczema, as it can affect not only their skin health but also their mental health.
