Smoking and Alcohol as Psoriasis Triggers
Finally, Something That can be Controlled by the Psoriasis Patients!
Dec 23, 2008
Many studies indicate that smoking and alcohol can act as triggers for psoriasis. Smoking and alcohol have also been associated with the severity of psoriasis.
Smoking as a Psoriasis Trigger
Several studies confirm that smoking can trigger psoriasis. Nicotine alters a wide range of immunological functions in the body. It is but natural for psoriasis, considered to be an immunologically mediated disease, to be affected by smoking.
Research suggests that localized (on the palms and soles) pustular psoriasis may be more common in people who smoke tobacco. Other studies suggest a correlation between smoking and development of plaque psoriasis. Smokers are also prone to develop the more severe forms of the disease.
Quitting smoking improves psoriasis for some; however, quitting does not always clear the psoriasis. More research is needed in this area.
Studies support the hypothesis that nicotine alters the immune response by directly interacting with T cells and nerve dendritic cells as well as indirectly through brain-immune interactions. Additionally, nicotinic cholinergic receptors have been demonstrated on keratinocytes, the epidermal cells. that stimulate calcium influx and accelerate cell differentiation; they can also control keratinocyte adhesion and upward migration in the epidermis. This suggests a biologic explanation for the association between smoking and psoriasis.
Another reason for the findings of smoking triggering psoriasis is that smoking is associated with increased stress. This may be considered an additional factor with regards to smoking and psoriasis.
Alcohol as a Psoriasis Trigger
It is now believed that heavy drinking may act as psoriasis trigger in some people. Heavy drinking also may make treatment less effective. Again, more research is needed in this area.
The findings in respect to alcoholism may at first seem anomalous, because the etiology of alcoholism has long been described more in terms of behavioural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. However, genetic factors have been implicated in the development of alcoholism, and other studies have similarly described an association between increased alcohol consumption and psoriasis.
One study conducted in the United States reported that patients with psoriasis had a daily alcohol consumption rate averaging of two to three times the national average. Other studies have suggested that alcohol may act as a triggering event and may also adversely affect response to treatment in psoriasis patients.
Some anecdotal reports suggest that in some predisposed individuals, even a small quantity of alcohol, like a glass of wine or beer is enough to trigger an exacerbation of their psoriasis. Many patients also report clearing of their psoriasis after quitting alcohol.
Next: Food, Hormones, Associated Diseases and Psoriasis
Reference
Psoriasis, in Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology, 7th Edition, 2004
