How drinking white wine could double risk of rosacea

Is it time to ditch the chardonnay? Photo / 123RF

Many people enjoy indulging in a glass of white wine occasionally.

Yet, your favourite tipple may trigger flushed, acne-prone skin, reports the Daily Mail.

Researchers found drinking five or more glasses of white wine a week increases your risk of developing the skin condition rosacea by 49 per cent.

One to three glasses a month raises the risk by 14 per cent.

It is unclear exactly why white wine causes rosacea, but it may due to the drink weakening the immune system and causing blood vessels to dilate.

Researchers from Brown University, Rhode Island, analysed nearly 83,000 women over 14 years.

They collected alcohol intake information every four years.

Nearly 5,000 cases of rosacea occurred during the study period.

Rosacea symptoms often begin with flushing and may develop into permanent redness, spots, visible blood vessels and a burning or stinging sensation.

Study author Dr Wen-Qing Li said: "We found white wine was significantly associated with a higher risk of rosacea."

It is unclear whether the same effects occur in men.

Red wine is more commonly associated with the skin disorder.

Yet, Dr Li claims such reports are based on patients who already have the skin complaint.

This comes after scientists at the University of Copenhagen found rosacea sufferers have a seven per cent higher risk of dementia.

Rosacea is characterised by higher levels of certain proteins that also involved in neurodegenerative diseases.

WHAT IS ROSACEA?

Rosacea. Photo / 123RF

Rosacea is a poorly understood skin condition that mainly affects the face.

Although common, its precise prevalence is unknown.

Its cause is unknown but may be related to abnormal blood vessels in the face.

Aside from alcohol, triggers include sunlight, stress and caffeine.

There is no cure.

Treatment focuses on avoiding known triggers, applying creams to reduce redness and medication to clear up spots if necessary.

Source: NHS Choices