Inflammatory bowel disease can cause itchy skin rashes similar to acne

Inflammatory bowel disease known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of digestive system disorders that cause inflammation of the digestive system. The two most common types of inflammatory bowel disease are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Maybe you are wondering, why inflammatory bowel disease can cause skin problems, even though the intestine and skin are two organs that are completely unrelated. But make no mistake. According to the Mayo Clinic, skin rashes can appear in about 40% of people who have colitis as a side symptom.

Skin problems that can arise from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Some of the rashes that appear on the skin in people who have colitis arise in response to inflammation. However, skin rashes can also appear as a side effect of drugs that are consumed. What are the skin problems that may arise due to inflammatory bowel disease?

1. Erythema nodosum

Erythema nodosum is the most common skin problem due to colitis. Erythema nodosum is a bruised-like lump that is reddish and painful when pressed, usually appears on the arm or leg. Erythema nodosum affects 3-10% of people who have colitis, although it affects women more often than men. Once your colitis is treated, the erythema nodosum will go away.

2. Pioderma gangrenosum

Pyoderma gangrenosum is the second most common skin problem after erythema nodosum. According to one study, about 2% of people with colitis have pyoderma gangrenosum.

The pyoderma gangrenosum appears in the form of small bounces that spread and then coalesce into ulcers (deep open sores on the surface of the skin), which can cause scarring. These skin problems usually appear below the knees and ankles, but can also appear on the arms. Pyoderma gangrenosum can be very painful and infectious if you are not diligent in cleaning it.

Pyoderma gangrenosum is known to be caused by diseases of the immune system, which play a role in the development of colitis. Treatment of this skin problem generally uses high doses of corticosteroid drugs and drugs that suppress your immune system.

3. Sweet's syndrome

Sweet's syndrome is a rare skin disease characterized by skin lesions in the form of small red or purple bumps that are painful when pressed. Sweet's syndrome commonly found on the face, neck, or upper arms. Treatment sweet's syndrome usually by pill or injected corticosteroid. The lesions can disappear on their own, but recurrent symptoms are also frequent and cause scars.

4. Bowel-Associated Dermatosis-Arthritis Syndrome (BADAS)

BADAS is common in patients with risk factors for gut surgery, diverticulitis, appendicitis, and IBD. BADAS appears in the form of a small pimple-like pus that is felt and occurs for 1-2 days. These lesions usually appear on the chest and arms. The lesions also sometimes resemble bruises if they occur on the legs, similar to erythema nodosum.

5. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an immune disease, which is associated with colitis. Psoriasis presents as a white or silver raised rash that appears slightly reddish on the skin. Treatment is with corticosteroid or retinoid keim.

6. Vitiligo

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that is common in people with colitis. The initial symptom of vitiligo is the appearance of milky white patches on the skin that sometimes feel itchy. These skin patches occur because the cells that make up melanin stop functioning or die, so the skin stops producing its color. Vitiligo can start in any part of the body, and it can get worse.

Treatment to treat vitiligo is with typical corticosteroids or in combination with pills and can also be with mild medications such as Psoralen and Ultra Violet A. (PUVA).

7. Pyodermaitis-pystomatitis vegetans

Pyodermaitis-pystomatitis vegetans is a rash with a red rash that can break off and cause a scar on the skin in the form of a plaque. This skin disease usually appears in skin folds such as the armpits or groin area.

8. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is a skin disease which is also known as hypersensitive vacculitis. Inflammation from IBD can cause small blood vessels to burst, causing blood to collect under the layers of your skin. This results in the appearance of purple bruised spots called purpura. These spots can be small to large and are commonly found on the ankles or feet.

9.Cystic acne (cystic acne)

In some people, colitis can lead to cystic pimples that are red, festering bumps. Most of these cystic acne cause pain when touched. Cystic acne can be treated with retionol or benzoyl peroxide topical.

10. Hives

Hives appear as red, itchy skin and affect parts of your body. Colitis is associated with chronic hives. Hives that occur can also be a side effect of colitis drugs. If you are taking medication and start to appear hives all over your body, immediately consult your doctor about your alternative treatment.