Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affects more than just your digestive system. Many individuals with IBD experience skin problems that may appear alongside or even before bowel symptoms.
This article explains the link between IBD and skin conditions, helping you recognise symptoms and know when to seek specialist care in Singapore.
What Causes Skin Problems for People with IBD?
The same inflammation that affects your bowel can also impact your skin and other parts of your body. This happens because IBD triggers an overactive immune response that can target healthy tissues beyond the digestive tract.
Immune system confusion: Your body’s defence system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing inflammation and various skin conditions (such as redness, ulcers, or bumps).
Shared inflammatory pathways: The same biological processes that trigger bowel inflammation can also affect the skin, explaining why these problems often occur together.
Medication side effects: Some IBD treatments can occasionally cause skin reactions, though this varies between individuals and specific medications.
Nutritional deficiencies: IBD flares can reduce nutrient absorption, particularly vitamins A, D, or zinc, which are important for skin health.
Common Skin Problems Linked to IBD
Several distinct skin problems are more common in people with inflammatory bowel disease:
Erythema nodosum: Painful, red bumps that typically appear on the shins and forearms, often coinciding with IBD flares and usually resolves as bowel symptoms improve.
Pyoderma gangrenosum: Deep, painful ulcers that often start as small pustules and can occur anywhere on the body, requiring prompt medical attention.
Aphthous stomatitis: Recurrent mouth ulcers that can make eating and speaking uncomfortable, particularly common during periods of active IBD.
Skin tags and fissures: Small growths around the anus and painful cracks in the skin, more common in people with Crohn’s disease
Treatment Approaches for IBD-Related Skin Conditions
Managing IBD-related skin conditions often involves addressing both the underlying bowel inflammation and the specific skin symptoms.
Bowel disease control: Keeping your IBD under control with the right medication often helps reduce skin symptoms. Medications like biologics can help manage bowel inflammation, which may also improve skin issues.
Where needed, you may need to see a colorectal specialist for further IBD treatment and care.
Topical treatments: Steroid creams, moisturisers, and other prescribed preparations can provide relief for skin irritation while your bowel treatment works.
Targeted therapies: Some severe skin problems may require targeted therapies such as biologic injections.
Wound care support: Proper wound care helps prevent infection and supports healing, especially for ulcers. This may include cleaning with saline solution and using non-stick dressings or antibacterial ointments to protect the area.
When to See a Dermatologist
You should speak with your dermatologist if you experience:
New or worsening skin symptoms: See a dermatologist if you notice new rashes, ulcers, painful bumps, or if existing skin problems are getting worse.
Signs of infection: Skin ulcers or wounds that become more painful, red, swollen, or produce pus should be assessed promptly.
Skin problems affecting daily life: If skin symptoms are interfering with your sleep, work, or confidence, seeking treatment can help improve comfort and quality of life.
Delayed healing: Wounds, ulcers, or skin irritations that aren’t improving after a few weeks may need medical review.
Conclusion
Skin problems are a common but often overlooked complication in IBD. Early recognition and proper management of IBD-related skin conditions can help improve your comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life. If you develop new or worsening skin symptoms, consult a dermatologist in Singapore. They can assess your condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
