Cutaneous manifestations of chronic alcoholism in cases attending rural tertiary cases center: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Alcoholism is a potentially fatal condition damages skin directly or through organ dysfunction. Studies suggested that dermatological manifestations have also been found to be a marker of alcohol misuse. The aim of the study was to assess the various cutaneous manifestations of alcohol dependence.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This study consisted of 205 cases diagnosed with alcohol dependency attending dermatology department and psychiatry wards, above 18 years of age. A detailed clinical examination and dermatological examination including hair, nails, oral and genital mucosa was performed. Alcoholic liver disease was diagnosed on clinical findings, abdominal sonogram and LFT.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Among the study cases 50.25% cases had alcoholic liver disease. The severity of alcohol dependence score ranged from 1-60 with Ameena score of 24.68. It was seen that 45.23% (90) of alcoholics were mildly dependent, 41.7% (83) of alcoholics were moderately dependent, and 13.07% (26) were severely dependent on alcohol. Seborrheic dermatitis, urticaria, hyperhidrosis was among the commonly encountered dermatoses.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Cutaneous manifestations are a significant pointer to underlying, perhaps undetected problem of alcohol dependency and an awareness of these signs is imperative to alter a dermatologist to problems of alcohol abuse even in a busy clinic.</p>