Rosacea Risk In Women Increased By Alcohol

Researchers at Brown University suggest that the increased consumption of alcohol is associated with a higher risk of rosacea in women, particularly liquor and white wine as published in the Journal Of The American Academy Of Dermatology.

Consumption of alcohol has a number of possible effects on the body. It has been linked to a variety of skin disorders including acne and psoriasis, this study suggests that it is also associated with the development of rosacea in women.

Rosacea is a skin disease that causes flushing and redness of the neck and face. It is estimated that 16 million Americans are affected by rosacea. Over a 14 year time frame data was collected and reviewed to investigate the connection between alcohol and rosacea from 82,737 women using the Nurses’ Health Study 11 of which there were 4,945 cases of rosacea. It was found that women who drank had an increased risk of the development of rosacea, as the levels of alcohol consumption increased so did the risk, the risks increased significantly with consumption of liquor and white wine specifically. Red wine was found to be a possible trigger for individuals already having the disease.

The researchers believe that alcohol weakening of the immune system and widening of the blood vessels could be a contributing factor to the development of the condition. It is noted that liquor and white wine contain high concentrations of alcohol without flavonoids and other anti-inflammatory substances that are found in red wine, however substances such as resveratrol and histamine found in red wine may contribute to it possibly contributing to trigger the condition in those already having the disease.

Further research is needed on the subject to shed more light on the connections between rosacea and specific types of alcohol. This study adds to an already sizable body of evidence on the possible harmful effects that alcohol can have on the body says Dr. Qureshi. Adding that women who wish to maintain the health of their skin may want to think about limiting their consumption of alcohol. Anyone who thinks that they may have rosacea should consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.