Cutaneous signs as a presenting manifestation of alcohol excess

We describe three patients who presented with a total of four episodes of an inflammatory dermatosis associated with alcohol abuse. In each case, the rash had similar characteristic features. The patients responded promptly to emollients and topical steroids but not to zinc replacement therapy. Other nutrient deficiencies were not identified. In addition, long-term remission seemed to be dependent on a reduction in alcohol consumption. We postulate that this is a separate cutaneous manifestation of chronic alcohol misuse and that this syndrome may be more common than previously thought.