What types of skin issues are caused by Crohn’s disease?

Approximately 10% of people with Crohn’s disease have related skin disorders. These include:

• erythema nodosum – This is a particular type of skin inflammation in the fatty layer of the skin that causes red, painful lumps. It most commonly occurs on the front of the lower legs.

• pyoderma gangrenosum – This is a serious condition marked by large, painful ulcers in the skin, most commonly occurring on the legs.

• skin tags around the anus – These are harmless, noncancerous skin growths often attached to the skin by a thin stalk.

• enterocutaneous fistula – This is an abnormal connection between a part of the intestinal tract and the skin. It develops because of chronic intestinal inflammation.

• Canker sores – While these painful sores are common in the general population, they are even more common and more severe in people with Crohn’s disease. These ulcers tend to appear when the bowel disease is flaring.