Patients with psoriasis, a common inflammatory skin disease, have a higher intake of alcohol compared to the normal population. We have previously found, in a cross-sectional study, in women, a correlation between intake of alcohol and the extent of psoriasis. In the present study a possible correlation between different sorts of alcohol and the extent of psoriasis, was investigated. 

Data was collected from Stockholm County from 2010 and onward for patients, in open and inpatient care, who were diagnosed with psoriasis by a dermatologist or a family doctor/another speciality. We invited 10,000 patients by regular mail to participate in the study. They received information containing a link to a website with a modified questionnaire (Life Drinking History) about past and present drinking habits and with a self-evaluation of their disease extent (SAPASI). Of the invited patients 1101 answered, 583 males and 518 females. Their age ranged from 19 to >61 years. 

The mean SAPASI for males was 4.93 and for females was 4.39. Among males 91.2 % and among females 87.3% had been drinking alcohol for some time during their life. Males had a higher consumption of all alcohol sorts for the last 12 months. In the total patient material, of the different alcohol sorts, intake of wine up to every day of the week or up to 2 glasses per day for the last 12 months, gave a lower SAPASI. Beer 1-2 days per week or more than 1-2 glasses per intake gave a higher SAPASI. Intake of liquor 3-4 days a week gave a higher SAPASI already at 1-2 glasses per intake. 

This study indicates that regular consumption of alcohol may increase the extent of psoriasis, however, dependent on the amount of alcohol and frequency of intake.

Psoriasis and alcohol. A register study.