Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects millions of people worldwide. In recent decades, the number of cases has increased, suggesting that external factors may trigger outbreaks in people who already have a certain predisposition.
Although there is no single cause for atopic dermatitis, our lifestyle habits can significantly influence the occurrence of outbreaks. In particular, unhealthy habits, such as alcohol consumption or smoking, have been investigated in people with atopic dermatitis to draw a connection between them. In this blog, we will explore the relationship between alcohol consumption and atopic dermatitis. Can alcohol consumption act as a trigger for flare-ups? Does it increase the likelihood of having one? Read on to find out more!
There is no scientific evidence linking alcohol consumption to outbreak worsening
Scientific studies have failed to demonstrate a direct relationship between alcohol consumption and an increase in the frequency of flare-ups. A meta-analysis of 13 studies published to date concluded that there was no relationship between the occurrence or worsening of AD outbreaks and an increase in the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
However, a study among the Dutch population did find an association between moderate and severe atopic dermatitis and the habit of consuming more than two alcoholic beverages per day. There are also some individual case reports in which patients with AD claim that alcohol is a trigger for them and that avoiding its consumption improves their symptoms. However, more scientific evidence is needed to establish a clear causal relationship.
Alcohol may interact with atopic dermatitis medication
Severe cases of atopic dermatitis are sometimes treated with medication, such as corticosteroids or antibiotics to fight infections. Mixing alcohol with medication may have serious health consequences. Alcohol alters their effectiveness and increases the risk of side effects.
- Antihistamines. Antihistamines may help prevent flare-ups. Mixing them with alcohol can cause drowsiness and difficulty concentrating.
- Antibiotics. They help treat or prevent skin infections caused by microorganisms accessing the skin through the damaged epithelial barrier. Alcohol may limit their effectiveness.
- Corticosteroids. They serve to control outbreaks in complex cases. Corticosteroids suppress the immune system, as does alcohol, which increases the likelihood of contracting other infections.
Alcohol damages and dehydrates the skin
Although no direct relationship between alcohol and the worsening of AD symptoms has been demonstrated, alcohol is a harmful substance, which should be consumed in moderation.
Alcohol interacts with our skin and our immune system. It dehydrates the skin, causing it to lose moisture. Dry skin is more likely to suffer from eczema and experience uncomfortable sensations such as itching and burning. In addition, alcohol also damages its barrier function. Damaged skin is more likely to react to external stimuli, increasing the risk of infection.
In addition to drinking plenty of water, skin hydration is always essential for sensitive or atopic-prone skin. Atopic dermatitis is characterized by a compromised skin barrier, which facilitates water loss. Keeping the skin well hydrated helps to restore and protect it, reducing dryness, itching, and inflammation.
At Prospera Biotech we have developed Nocisens® OIL, a neurodermatological oil specially formulated for sensitive and atopic skin. It contains oat extract and avocado oil that nourish and regenerate deeply reinforcing the skin barrier function, but its innovation lies in the neurodermatological ingredients. These ingredients help to reduce the uncomfortable sensations typical of sensitive and atopic-prone skin, restoring the sensory balance.
For areas with recurrent outbreaks, Nocisens® INTENSE contains twice the active ingredient concentration of Nocisens® OIL, so its action is more powerful. You can use Nocisens® OIL for the daily care of your skin and Nocisens® INTENSE for the most sensitive or breakout areas.
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References
- Halling-Overgaard AS, Hamann CR, Holm RP, Linneberg A, Silverberg JI, Egeberg A, Thyssen JP. Atopic dermatitis and alcohol use – a meta-analysis and systematic review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018 Aug;32(8):1238-1245. doi: 10.1111/jdv.14814
- Larell Scardelli. VeryWell Health. Does Alcohol Trigger Eczema? [Internet]; 7 jun 2023 [cited 23 jul 2024]. Disponible en: https://sweathelp.org/home/diagnosing-hyperhidrosis.html
- Nosrati A, Afifi L, Danesh MJ, Lee K, Yan D, Beroukhim K, Ahn R, Liao W. Dietary modifications in atopic dermatitis: patient-reported outcomes. J Dermatolog Treat. 2017 Sep;28(6):523-538. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2016.1278071.
- Zhang J, Loman L, Oldhoff M, Schuttelaar MLA. Association between moderate to severe atopic dermatitis and lifestyle factors in the Dutch general population. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2022 Aug;47(8):1523-1535. doi: 10.1111/ced.15212.
