Alcohol consumption, a risk factor for developing eczema?

Several mechanisms can explain the potentially harmful effect of alcohol on eczema.

• Stimulating Inflammation: Whether you suffer from a skin condition or not, alcohol can cause inflammation throughout the body, which can exacerbate eczema.

• Boosting blood flow:

• Inducing temporary skin dryness: Alcohol consumption can also affect the skin barrier, a protective layer that retains water and prevents germs and irritants from penetrating. For people with eczema, the skin barrier is already compromised. According to a 2019 research review, alcohol can alter the composition of the skin barrier, leading to a loss of hydration, which can worsen the skin's condition.

• Releasing more histamine: When the liver breaks down alcohol, it converts it into acetaldehyde. This compound promotes the release of histamine in the body, which induces inflammation and causes an increase in itching and redness on the skin. It can also exacerbate eczema.

• Slowing down the rapid healing of wounds: A study published in Alcohol Research suggests that alcohol weakens the ability of dermal fibroblasts to produce connective tissue. This can then slow down the healing of wounds, including cracks caused by eczema, and increase the risk of infection.

If alcoholic beverages trigger eczema symptoms in an individual, that person must take steps to help prolong periods of calm.

• Reducing alcohol consumption: Increasingly, studies are establishing a link between chronic skin conditions and alcohol abuse. A study conducted in 2021 revealed that 23% of people with eczema also suffer from alcohol-related disorders. The rates are similar among people with psoriasis, at 28%. If you consume alcohol, ensure you do so in moderation. Limit your frequency of consumption and the number of drinks you have. If this proves challenging, do not hesitate to discuss it with your doctor.

• Monitoring your alcohol consumption: If you notice that your eczema symptoms worsen when you drink, you can track the progression of your eczema flare-ups. Observe if certain quantities or types of alcohol alter the intensity of your symptoms.

• Monitoring the composition of your drinks: Pay attention to the other ingredients present in your alcoholic beverages. It could be a food allergy, which can also cause skin reactions.

• Undergoing an allergy test: If you believe you are allergic to alcohol or other ingredients contained in a drink, ask your doctor to conduct an allergy test. They will be able to advise you on what you can safely consume and conversely, the ingredients you should avoid.

• Being vigilant about alcohol - medication interaction: Even if alcohol is not the cause of your eczema problems, it can interact with eczema medications or other drug treatments and limit their effectiveness. Ask your doctor if it is safe to combine your medications with alcohol.