Publication:

Cutaneous manifestations of chronic alcoholism in cases attending rural tertiary care center: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Background Alcoholism is a potentially fatal condition damages skin directly or through organ dysfunction. Studies suggested that dermatological manifestations have also been found to be a marker of alcohol misuse. The aim of the study was to assess the various cutaneous manifestations of alcohol dependence.

Methods This study consisted of 205 cases diagnosed with alcohol dependency attending dermatology department and psychiatry wards, above 18 years of age. A detailed clinical examination and dermatological examination including hair, nails, oral and genital mucosa was performed. Alcoholic liver disease was diagnosed on clinical findings, abdominal sonogram and LFT.

Results Among the study cases 50.25% cases had alcoholic liver disease. The severity of alcohol dependence score ranged from 1-60 with Ameena score of 24.68. It was seen that 45.23% (90) of alcoholics were mildly dependent, 41.7% (83) of alcoholics were moderately dependent, and 13.07% (26) were severely dependent on alcohol. Seborrheic dermatitis, urticaria, hyperhidrosis was among the commonly encountered dermatoses.

Conclusions Cutaneous manifestations are a significant pointer to underlying, perhaps undetected problem of alcohol dependency and an awareness of these signs is imperative to alter a dermatologist to problems of alcohol abuse even in a busy clinic.