Association of Alcoholism Among Adult Male Psoriasis Patients-A Cross-Sectional Study in A Tertiary Care Hospital

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory papulo-squamous disorder of the skin associated with systemic manifestations. It has been estimated that the disease affects approximately 2-3% of total population. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type and accounts for almost 90% of all psoriasis. Clinically, it is characterized by sharply demarcated erythematous plaques with silvery white scales on scalp, lumbosacral region and extensor aspect of extremities. Psoriasis is classified into three types based on Psoriasis Area and Severity Index mild (PASI < 7), moderate (PASI 7-12) and severe (PASI >12). Psoriasis and alcohol share a bidirectional relation. Alcohol is known to be an exacerbating factor for psoriasis and vice versa. Alcohol consumption exacerbates psoriasis by the production of inflammatory cytokines namely cyclin D1 and keratinocyte growth factor, immune dysfunction, increased sensitivity to trauma and infections. Alcohol consumption is classified on the basis of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). AUDIT score of less than 8 is classified as hazardous drinking, AUDIT score between 8 and 20 as harmful use of alcohol and AUDIT score of more than 20 as alcohol dependence syndrome. It is a descriptive cross - sectional study including all male psoriasis patients aged more than 21 years attending Dermatology and Psychiatry OPD within the study period from October 2017 to June 2019. There was no significant association between severity of psoriasis and alcohol consumption. The association between severity of psoriasis with alcohol consumption need to be confirmed with further studies and with larger sample size.