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Crohn’s Disease: The Hidden Impact on Your Skin

Beyond the digestive issues, Crohn’s disease can also wreak havoc on your skin, including your face. It’s time to uncover the various skin symptoms linked to Crohn’s, why they occur, and how to manage them effectively.

The Autoimmune Connection

As an autoimmune disorder, Crohn’s disease causes chronic digestive issues, but it can also lead to skin problems. In fact, around 40% of people with Crohn’s experience nondigestive issues, with skin symptoms being the most common.

Skin Symptoms Associated with Crohn’s

Crohn’s disease has been linked to various skin issues, including:

• Hives
• Blisters
• Skin tags
• Red bumps
• Canker sores
• Skin tears (fissures)
• Skin color loss (vitiligo)
• Tunnels in the skin (fistula)

Erythema Nodosum: The Most Common Skin Issue

Erythema nodosum affects up to 15% of people with Crohn’s, making it the most common skin issue associated with the disease. Symptoms include tender red nodules or bumps, which can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the lower legs.

Other Skin Issues Linked to Crohn’s

• Oral lesions: occurring on the inside of the mouth or on the lips
• Perianal lesions: appearing around the anus, often red, swollen, or painful
• Sweet’s syndrome: triggering tender bumps on the torso, arms, or head
• Metastatic Crohn’s disease: a rare condition causing ulcers or purplish lesions on any area of the skin
• Pyoderma gangrenosum: a rare skin condition causing painful pustules that turn into ulcers, usually on the legs

Can Crohn’s Cause Psoriasis?

Studies show that people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s, are at a higher risk of developing psoriasis, a chronic condition causing dry, scaly patches on the skin.

Other Reasons for a Crohn’s Rash

Crohn’s disease alone might not be causing your skin issues. Related side effects or drug reactions can also trigger flare-ups. Vitamin deficiencies, such as zinc, vitamin C, or iron deficiency, can lead to skin problems. Additionally, anti-TNF drugs, used to treat Crohn’s, can cause skin lesions that resemble psoriasis or eczema.

Why Does Crohn’s Affect the Skin?

Researchers are still unsure why Crohn’s disease causes skin issues, but it’s thought to be related to immune factors, medication reactions, or direct effects of the disease. Animal studies have found that an immune cell, the Th17 cell, has been linked to other autoimmune conditions that relate to the skin.

Treatment Options for a Crohn’s Rash

The exact treatment will depend on your specific symptoms. Your doctor might prescribe:

• Topical, oral, or injected corticosteroids
• Anti-inflammatory meds
• Anti-TNF biologics
• Immunosuppressive drugs
• Antibiotics
• Vitamins to address deficiencies
• Surgery to remove intense fistulas

When to See a Doctor

Contact your doctor if you think your skin problems are related to Crohn’s disease. They may perform a biopsy to determine the exact cause. Also, talk to your doctor if your skin symptoms are leaking, blistering, painful, spreading quickly, covering a large area, or coinciding with a fever.

Remember, Crohn’s disease doesn’t just affect the digestive system. It can also impact your skin, causing a range of symptoms. By understanding the link between Crohn’s and skin conditions, you can take control of your skin health and find effective treatment options.