Alcohol and skin disorders*

Abstract

AbstractBackground Little is known about skin changes associated with or caused by alcohol intake.Patients and methods In this open study, 65 patients affected with rosacea, rubeosis faciei, pruritus, eczema, non‐healing ulcers and psoriasis were examined for signs of high alcohol intake. Thirty‐two had elevated aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) and/or gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels. These patients were interviewed about their drinking habits. As ASAT and/or GGT had been found elevated, it was suggested that they abstain from alcohol. Of the 32 patients with a confirmed regular alcohol intake eight dropped out. The remaining 24 accepted the suggestion and came back for monthly clinical and laboratory controls. Their laboratory values normalized in 2‐3 months parallel with healing or improvement of skin symptoms. The 32 patients with dermatoses associated with high alcohol intake were found in a series of 900 consecutive new patients, i.e., over 3%.Conclusions Dermatological patients with increase of ASAT and/or GGT of unknown origin should be suspected to have a high alcohol intake. These patients should be persuaded to try total abstinence for at least 2 months before initiating any dermatological treatment.