Heavy drinking can have a negative impact on many areas of life. Alcoholics can face legal problems from driving while intoxicated, have family issues related to drinking, and face a range of physical complications. People who drink large quantities of alcohol are at a greater risk of heart conditions, liver problems and certain types of cancer. Alcoholism can also have very dramatic effects on the skin. Some of these problems are cosmetic, but others can be a sign of something much more serious.
Types of Alcoholic Drinks
Oregon Counseling reports that the same type of alcohol is in all types of alcoholic drinks. This is called ethanol or ethyl alcohol, and it's found in beer, wine or hard liquor such as vodka or whiskey. Alcoholics who consume any of these beverages can face the same negative skin effects, as well as health consequences.
Significance
In a study reported on PubMed, 101 heavy drinkers were assessed to determine if their drinking had caused any skin problems. For 82 of these people, alcohol had negatively affected their skin. The problems ranged from acne to folliculitis, a certain type of dermatitis, and rosacea.
Mild Skin Conditions
According to Oregon Counseling, the red blotchy skin often noticed an alcoholic's face is from broken capillaries. This is caused by increased pressure in the cells from drinking alcohol, and although this in itself is not dangerous, if the capillaries are breaking on the skin, they might also be bursting in other areas of the body, such as the stomach or esophagus, which is much more dangerous. Heavy drinkers are also more likely to suffer from skin infections than those who abstain or drink moderately.
Serious Side Effects
Although being allergic to alcohol is not common, it is possible. Developing a flushed face soon after consuming alcohol can be a sign of an allergy. This happens in people who have an impairment of a type of enzyme necessary for processing alcohol. This can cause extra histamines to be released in the body, which can be dangerous for some individuals. Other signs of an allergy to alcohol are heart palpitations, feeling hot or developing a headache. These signs will usually occur soon after consuming alcohol in allergic individuals, advises Food Reactions. Other skin problems related to alcoholism are psoriasis and a certain type of eczema known as discoid eczema.
Improving Skin Problems Related to Alcohol
Cutting back on alcohol use or discontinuing it altogether might help improve skin problems related to drinking in some individuals. Consult your doctor or dermatologist for further treatment of any skin conditions related to alcoholism. Eating a well-balanced diet can provide you with vitamins and counteract some of the negative effects of past alcohol abuse on the skin.
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