Tehran — A new study published in the Archives of Dermatological Research has found that skin complications are common among people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially those diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. The research, led by Dr. Shahin Hamzelou from the Department of Dermatology at Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, sheds light on the types and frequency of dermatological issues that often accompany IBD.
IBD is a chronic condition that mainly affects the digestive system but is also known to cause symptoms in other parts of the body. Skin problems, one of the extraintestinal manifestations of IBD, are a frequent concern. This study aimed to better understand how common these skin issues are and which patients are most at risk.
The study found that 38.1% of all IBD patients had some form of inflammatory skin condition. Skin problems were much more common in patients with Crohn’s disease, affecting 52.5% of those cases, compared to 32.9% among those with ulcerative colitis. Aphthous stomatitis and atopic dermatitis were the most frequent issues, each occurring in 11.1% of all patients, while perianal fissures were the most common among people with Crohn’s disease.
The findings also showed that women were more likely than men to experience skin issues, particularly aphthous stomatitis and psoriasis. Married patients also showed a higher rate of skin complications compared to unmarried individuals. The data indicated that these issues appeared more often when the bowel disease was active.
Researchers stress the need for routine skin examinations in patients with IBD, especially those with Crohn’s disease, as well as in women and married individuals who appear more vulnerable to dermatological complications. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of skin conditions could improve patients’ overall quality of life and help in monitoring IBD activity.
The study underlines the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to IBD care. It recommends closer collaboration between dermatologists and gastroenterologists to ensure that skin symptoms are not overlooked.
“Further studies are needed to understand the biological links between IBD and skin disorders,” the researchers noted, “and to create better strategies for preventing and managing these complications.”
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