Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 11, 2025
Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder
Published on: June 23, 2023
The Association of Alcohol Use Disorder and Chronic Plaque Psoriasis: Results of a Pilot Study
Vikram K Mahajan1, Niharika Dhattarwal1, Pushpinder S Chauhan1
1Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Govt. Medical College, (Tanda), Himachal Pradesh, India.
Background:
Association between alcohol consumption, alcohol use disorder, and clinical features of psoriasis patients has not been adequately studied in the Indian context.
Objectives:
To study the frequency of alcohol consumption, alcohol use disorder, and its association with age, gender, duration, and severity of psoriasis.
Materials And Methods:
One hundred and forty-six (M: F 6.3:1) patients completed the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire by World Health Organization (WHO). Excessive drinkers, occasional drinkers, and abstainers were defined. AUDIT provided a measure of alcohol consumption, its dependence, and its impact on daily life. The severity of psoriasis was graded as mild, moderate, and severe.
Results:
Seventy-four (50.7%) patients were aged ≤40 years and 51.4% of patients had the disease for <5 years. Psoriasis was mild in 48.6% and moderate to severe in 51.4% of patients, respectively. Only males (32.9%) were consuming alcohol in varying amounts; 19.9% were occasional drinkers (AUDIT score <8). Other 67.1% of patients completely abstained from alcohol consumption (AUDIT score 0). The remaining 13% were regular drinkers (AUDIT score >8) and had more severe psoriasis compared to patients having AUDIT score <8 (P < 0.05). A high level of alcohol use disorder and alcohol dependence was present in one patient each.
Limitations:
Few patients, particularly females may not have disclosed their alcohol consumption due to fear of stigmatization. Small number of patients, hospital-based cross-sectional study design, and no follow-up for clinical improvement after cessation of alcohol are other limitations.
Conclusions:
Alcohol consumption was associated with alcohol use disorder in 32.9% of patients (AUDIT score >8) and significantly severe psoriasis compared to 67.1% abstainers. Whether increased alcohol consumption is a consequence or a risk factor for chronicity of psoriasis needs large linear studies for confirmation.
