There’s an undeniable link between your gastrointestinal system and how well the rest of your body functions. In fact, a digestive disorder can cause issues in the most unlikely of places. One such place is the skin. Sometimes, skin problems aren’t only a sign of a digestive disease but also an indication that a chronic illness isn’t being controlled as well as you think.
Skin gastrointestinal disease is a broad term used to describe different skin problems affecting people with digestive disorders. In some cases, these skin issues are directly related to digestive disease while in others, it’s a side effect of the consequences of poor digestion.
For example, digestive disorders can cause inflammation throughout the body that manifests on the skin. These disorders can also result in malnutrition or the deficiency of certain vitamins. When this happens you can experience skin problems associated with whichever vitamin your body needs.
RELATED: What the Gut?! Signs You Have an Unhealthy Gut Or Worse…
The skin signs of gastrointestinal disease can vary in intensity from one person to the other. It’s also possible to have more than one skin problem from the same illness.
Some of the possible signs include lesions on the palms or lips, papules or flat bumps over the joints, unexplained reddish-brown freckles all over the body, scaly patches, thickened skin on the palms, and painful ulcers on the legs. Your skin can also become fragile and easier to bruise.
If you’re dealing with a vitamin deficiency, you would look out for feeling skin, papules, rashes, dry skin, darkening patches of skin, enlarged hair follicles, or rashes along the corners of the mouth.
Some of these issues may resolve on their own then recur or they can be persistent. In either case, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor before dismissing the problems or trying to use over-the-counter drugs to address them.
Itchy skin or urticaria is actually one of the most common skin issues associated with digestive disorders. It’s most likely to be caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but it’s possible for it to be linked with other digestive disorders as well.
While it’s still not clear why IBS and other gastrointestinal diseases cause itchy skin, some recent research has offered some insight. Researchers have proposed that certain allergic processes are integral to how IBS affects the body. As a result, whenever you’re dealing with a flare-up, your skin might show the typical signs of an allergic reaction as well. These signs can include itchiness, swelling, inflamed skin, and rashes.
According to what doctors currently know, some of the digestive disorders that can cause skin problems are ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and celiac disease.
If you have certain food intolerances, you may experience skin problems after consuming that food as well. It’s important to note that digestive disorders can vary in their severity so that can affect what happens to your skin.
RELATED: 11 Great Ways to Improve Your Digestion Naturally
While there’s an established link between your digestive system and skin, you should know that skin issues can be caused for a myriad of different things. As such, it’s best to see your doctor if you’re experiencing any new changes in your skin. This is especially true if your skin problems are accompanied by a fever.
Another sure sign to see your doctor is if the problem has gotten worse over time or keeps coming back. Since some skin issues can be contagious, make sure to tell your doctor if you visited somewhere new or think you might have been exposed to someone who was ill.
In the case where you’ve already been diagnosed with a digestive disorder, it’s still a good idea to consult with your doctor. They can recommend different medications or strategies to manage your skin problems.
People who have digestive disorders may also experience a variety of skin problems. Fortunately, they can be managed or treated effectively. Though you may be tempted to try handling them yourself, it’s best to talk to your doctor. You might need a specific medical regimen or only a few dietary changes.
By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
