A new study published in the Journal of Rheumatology has found that women who consume alcohol regularly have a higher risk of developing psoriasis, a chronic skin condition.

Psoriasis is characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin and can be accompanied by itching, burning, and pain.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to grow too quickly.

The excess skin cells build up on the surface of the skin, forming thick, scaly patches that can be red, itchy, and painful. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.

The link between alcohol consumption and psoriasis

Previous research has shown a link between alcohol consumption and psoriasis, but most of these studies have been conducted on men.

This new study looked specifically at women and found that those who drank more alcohol had a higher risk of developing psoriasis. The study followed over 80,000 women for 14 years and found that those who drank five or more drinks per week had a 76% higher risk of developing psoriasis than those who did not drink.

The risk was even higher for women who drank at least two and a half drinks per day, with a 180% higher risk of developing psoriasis.

How does alcohol affect psoriasis?

It’s not entirely clear how alcohol affects psoriasis, but there are several theories. One theory is that alcohol increases inflammation in the body, which can worsen psoriasis symptoms.

Another theory is that alcohol can disrupt the immune system, making it more likely to attack healthy skin cells. Additionally, alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients, which can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms.

Other risk factors for psoriasis

While alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for psoriasis, it’s not the only one. Other risk factors include:.

Family history of psoriasis
Stress
Smoking
Obesity

How to reduce your risk of psoriasis

While there is no surefire way to prevent psoriasis, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk:.

Avoid or limit alcohol consumption
Manage stress through exercise, meditation, or therapy
Avoid smoking
Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise

Conclusion

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While the cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, research has shown that alcohol consumption is a risk factor, particularly for women.

By limiting alcohol consumption and addressing other risk factors, individuals can reduce their risk of developing psoriasis and improve their overall health and wellbeing.