by Tammy
(Ashland, WI USA)
Will chronic alcoholism cause skin issues and diseases such as psoriasis or extreme rashes on the soles of your feet?
My husband is 40 years old and has been a hard drinking man his whole life, with the experimentation starting around age 14. Yes, age 14. He is 5’8 and weighs 145 pounds at the most. Binge drinks 2-3 days a week with beer and excessive amounts of hard liquor. He is capable of quitting for long lengths ( a year or more), but the disease always calls his name for roll call, eventually. I think he is breaking down physically and I am hoping information on the worse case scenarios will cause him to re-think his life.
Reply
It is so hard to watch someone you love making poor choices that affect their health. I am unsure if there is a direct link between psoriasis and alcoholism. However, alcoholism can contribute significantly to poor health.
There is some research that indicates that psoriasis is often tied to yeast overgrowth in the digestive tract. There is a possibility that alcohols containing yeast (such as beer) can increase the amount of yeast present in the intestine.
I recommend that he consult a doctor about his psoriasis and the effects of alcohol on the body. It would also be good for him to see a counselor regarding his alcohol abuse.
It sounds like you are looking for a way to appeal to him logically in an effort to get him to quit drinking. It is likely that he already knows the negative effects of his drinking habits. He may not be persuaded by the facts given to him. However, it could be useful to show him connections he hasn’t considered before like the possible link between psoriasis and alcoholism.
I think it is also important to talk to him about the way it makes you feel to watch him harm his body. It is important that he recognizes that his choices do not only affect himself. This knowledge, shared in a supportive and caring way, may be more effective than facts about the long-term effects of alcohol abuse.
This type of conversation is best to have when he is sober. It is important to approach him in an attitude of care and concern rather than nagging. Continue to love on him and show that that you believe in him. Your support can make a difference!
You can follow this link to get more information on alcoholism recovery.
I am a Mental Health Counselor who is licensed in both New York (LMHC) and North Carolina (LCMHC). I have been working in the Mental Health field since 2015. I have worked in a residential setting, an outpatient program and an inpatient addictions program. I began working in Long Island, NY and then in Guelph, Ontario after moving to Canada. I have since settled in North Carolina. I have experience working with various stages of addiction, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, stages of life concerns and relationship concerns.
I tend to use a person-centered approach which simply means that I meet you where you are and work collaboratively to help you identify and work towards accomplishing goals. I will often pull from CBT when appropriate. I do encourage use of mindfulness and meditation and practice these skills in my own life. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion.
I recognize that reaching out for help is hard and commend you for taking the first step. We have professionals available who would be happy to help you move closer to reaching your goals related to your drinking concerns. You may reach these professionals by calling 877-322-2694.