She Strengthens

The Hidden Connection Between Ulcerative Colitis and Skin Rashes

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can wreak havoc on your large intestine, causing symptoms like bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, and fatigue. But did you know that UC can also be associated with a variety of skin rashes?

The Skin-IBD Connection

Research suggests that around 15% of people with IBD experience skin disorders on top of their usual symptoms. UC and Crohn’s disease are the most common types of IBD, and inflammation and IBD medications are thought to be the culprits behind several UC-related skin conditions.

9 Skin Conditions Linked to UC

Here are some skin issues you might encounter along with UC:

• Erythema Nodosum: The most common UC-related skin rash, characterized by tender, red bumps that can appear on multiple areas of the body.
• Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A rare condition that presents as a blister forming on the arms, shins, or ankles, which can be treated with high doses of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
• Sweet’s Syndrome: A rare skin condition that causes painful, red “juicy” plaques on the arms, head, neck, and upper back, which can be treated with oral corticosteroids.
• Bowel-Associated Dermatosis-Arthritis Syndrome: A condition that causes small, painful bumps on the chest and upper arms that may become pus-filled, which can be treated with corticosteroids and/or antibiotics.
• Plaque Psoriasis: A chronic disorder that speeds up skin cell production, causing dry, flaky, rough, and red plaques that can sometimes be itchy.
• Vitiligo: A skin condition in which the immune system destroys skin cells responsible for pigment production, resulting in patches of skin lacking color.
• Pyodermatitis Vegetans: A condition characterized by red, scaly, and ulcerated plaques that usually shows up in skin folds or on the scalp and face.
• Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis: A condition that refers to inflammation in the small blood vessels of the skin, characterized by crops of small, raised, red-purplish spots on the legs.
• Hives: A rare allergic reaction to certain medications, such as Humira, that can cause hives.

Managing UC and Skin Rashes

While there is no cure for UC, learning to manage symptoms and identify triggers is crucial. Eating a UC-friendly diet, avoiding trigger foods, and prioritizing a healthy lifestyle can help reduce flare-ups and symptoms.

UC-Friendly Diet Tips

• Avoid foods and drinks that tend to irritate the colon, such as coffee, alcohol, and “laxative fruits” like prunes, cherries, and peaches.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce flare-ups.
• Try a low salt, low fiber, or low-FODMAP diet.
• Include gut-healing foods like white rice, bananas, lean proteins, and chicken or veggie broth in your diet.

Rash Reduction Strategies

• Prioritize a healthy diet to reduce UC flare-ups and symptoms.
• Talk to your doctor about the best ways to reduce pain and infection from skin rashes during flare-ups.
• Keep rashy areas clean and bandaged.
• Take an over-the-counter pain medication to reduce pain.

Remember, skin rashes associated with UC are rare, and not everyone with UC will develop one. If you do experience a skin rash, consult your doctor to determine the best course of action.