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Crohn's and Skin Problems

A few months ago, I noticed these small, circular, flaky white blotches on my arms and legs. Over the past couple of weeks, they have multiplied and are now on my neck and torso as well. Some of them are mild, while a few are starting to look like wounds. I'm scheduled to see a dermatologist on Thursday, so I'll know more then. But in the meantime, I'm wondering how many other people with Crohn's have this problem. I tried looking everywhere online, but none of the photos I've seen look like what I have.
 
Huh. Nope, nothing like that has happened to me. I know this sounds too easy but you haven't changed soaps or anything have you?
Michele
 
I had small, circular flaky blotches that started on my arms and torso and multiplied quickly to my legs, feet, and lower back. However, mine were not white, they are purplish brown. I saw a dermatologist who said it was "Lichen Planus." I think I got it from Humira, but no one else seems to think so.

I've been getting UV light therapy for it twice a week.

Don't know if this is what you have...as Michele said, it could be soaps, detergent, allergic reaction, etc. I hope the dermatologist has some answers for you!
 
I haven't changed soaps or anything. I really can't figure out what caused it, other than my immune system being screwed up.
 
Knew it was too easy. We never seem to have anything with easy answers! Are the sores oozing? That would be scary as that would show infection. Stupid Crohn's, messes up EVERYTHING!
Good luck,
Michele
 

Lisa

Adminstrator
Staff member
Location
New York, USA
Have you had any illnesses - like strep?.....Sounds like a psoriasis or dermatitis/eczema....good luck with the derm appt.....
 
Psoriasis seems to be the most likely answer. I already have eczema and vitiligo, so why not? Three's company, I guess.

Dealing with Crohn's has been really difficult for me psychologically because I was diagnosed in 1999 but was asymptomatic until about two and a half years ago. (I had elevated liver enzymes and it was discovered during a colonoscopy, along with sclerosing cholangitis). I had mild constipation for years and it started getting worse until I had my first flare and had uncontrollable diarrhea. I developed vitiligo in 2006 and my eczema got worse last year. I also went from 145 pounds (at 5'10") down to under 120. I used to think of myself as a relatively good-looking young man, but now I feel like Dorian Gray without a painting. Thankfully, I came to terms with that aspect of my condition, but only because it's the least of my worries. It has been a humbling experience, to say the least.
 
Hi,

My first post \o/ but had to comment on this. I too have had circular skin lesion (almost perfect circle...lol) a few times in the past. At the time I probably had CD but I didn't know it. I was Dx June 2010 and now it makes sense. They were about the size of a penny and had a flaky white skin on them that kept peeling off. Eventualy it faded away although one has left a faint scar. Reading your post makes me think it may be a symptom from CD. Hope this helps.
 
I have similar spots all over. Mine are white or pink, get dry and scaley, are usually circles, and tend to itch. The are mostly on my knuckles, behind my knees, ankles and the sides of my feet. Between my last Remicade infusions and a month long gluten binge I got two large patches on my elbows and one near my shoulder.

Mine come and go but are worse when I eat certain foods (gluten and corn), the weather is dry, or when I am due for a new infusion of Remicade.

I believe it is psoriasis for me or something similar and my general doctor gave me a steroid cream that tends to work. Remicade and other biologics can be used to treat psoriasis and I have noticed that mine start to go away after an infusion.

Good Luck!
 
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I have similar spots all over. Mine are white or pink, get dry and scaley, are usually circles, and tend to itch. The are mostly on my knuckles, behind my knees, ankles and the sides of my feet. Between my last Remicade infusions and a month long gluten binge I got two large patches on my elbows and one near my shoulder.

Mine come and go but are worse when I eat certain foods (gluten and corn), the weather is dry, or when I am due for a new infusion of Remicade.

I believe it is psoriasis for me or something similar and my general doctor gave me a steroid cream that tends to work. Remicade and other biologics can be used to treat psoriasis and I have noticed that mine start to go away after an infusion.

Good Luck!
That sounds very similar to what I have. Anyway, I'm only two hours away from my dermatologist appointment, so hopefully I'll be getting some relief soon.
 
Hi,

I get patches of red, itchy spots that become flakey. These occur mostly on the underarm, chest and abdomen. This seems to be associated with the Humira as it gets worse in the week after I've had a dose. Fexofenadine , 180mg, once a day keeps it pretty much under control. I also have patches that pop-up in other places and the Dermatologist says that this is an auto immune problem associated with the Crohn's. Currently using Tacrolimus ointment and on a 2 year course of Doxycycline to get it under control.

I saw a number of Dermatoliogists before I found one that joined all the dots up and provided some treatment that actually work. Hope things go well for you.

Mark
 

vonfunk

Bourbon Bandito
Location
Toronto,
I have patches of dry skin on my chest, big red and blotchy. I'm not sure how long they've been there, I assume IBD related.
 
Well, I saw the dermatologist and she's pretty sure it's psoriasis. (She took some samples for a biopsy, so hopefully that will confirm.) She gave me a scrip for clobetasol propionate (cream) as well as some OTC stuff: CeraVe (cream to put on after the other cream), Dove bar soap and body wash, and a package of All laundry detergent.

After talking to her, I started wondering if some of these products triggered it. Around the time I first noticed the patches, my father visited me and brought me new laundry detergent, body wash and fabric softener (I hadn't used softener until then). Of course, that would be simple, and that's never the case with me. But it's worth a shot.
 
I am having a terrible time with my skin for the past 3-4 years mostly on my face. I get little rough areas about the size of a pea or smaller here and there generally on my trunk or upper leg area -- I generally scratch them off but some are pretty persistent and come back. I have ichthyosis on my lower legs (mild) and rosacea on the face. A few years ago, I was going thru a really stressfull period and was having adult acne breakouts, which I scratched at. Over the years it's developed into a bad habit and I can't keep my hands off my face. The areas are dry and will get flakey on the nose and I can't keep my hands off them. The scratching turned to pulling at the little skin lifts which leaves a red spot. It's hard to break the habit and I remember hearing about a woman who pulled out her body hairs and thinking "what a nut, who would do that?" LOL My nose always has a few little red spots here and there. I have recently started a regimented skin care program which is helping the dryness which I think is a big part of the issue. I have recently been semi-diagnosed with Crohns and I've heard Crohns can cause skin issues. I suspect my major issue is Rosacea and the capilaries so close to the skin but it's bothering me more than the actual Crohns DX. Dermatologist says "let's clear it up before we laser." Right. That'll happen. Anyone have these issues?
 
I am having a terrible time with my skin for the past 3-4 years mostly on my face. I get little rough areas about the size of a pea or smaller here and there generally on my trunk or upper leg area -- I generally scratch them off but some are pretty persistent and come back. I have ichthyosis on my lower legs (mild) and rosacea on the face. A few years ago, I was going thru a really stressfull period and was having adult acne breakouts, which I scratched at. Over the years it's developed into a bad habit and I can't keep my hands off my face. The areas are dry and will get flakey on the nose and I can't keep my hands off them. The scratching turned to pulling at the little skin lifts which leaves a red spot. It's hard to break the habit and I remember hearing about a woman who pulled out her body hairs and thinking "what a nut, who would do that?" LOL My nose always has a few little red spots here and there. I have recently started a regimented skin care program which is helping the dryness which I think is a big part of the issue. I have recently been semi-diagnosed with Crohns and I've heard Crohns can cause skin issues. I suspect my major issue is Rosacea and the capilaries so close to the skin but it's bothering me more than the actual Crohns DX. Dermatologist says "let's clear it up before we laser." Right. That'll happen. Anyone have these issues?
Yes, I have those red itchy patches on my legs and feet and they were on my scalp for 2 yrs, but are finally clearing up there. They itched too. I do have one patch on my side burn area that will not go away. I had two patches that were large and red on my face and they flaked and then left me with white raised scars. Weirdness! I have those red blood spots all over too. I always have red bumps somewhere. Alot of health specialist say it is caused from the gluten in our foods and it's in so many things we eat. If you want to do a gluten free diet, go to SCD diet on the internet and they can greatly help you with this. I did it for awhlie and caved in. It isn't easy giving up everything but worth it if you suffer greatly from gluten.
 
Thanks Teresa. I think we would be very surprised if we went to all natural whole foods how many diseases would lessen in severity or disappear completely. I still believe food allergies are at the bottom of this disease...our food is polluted and you can't get away from it. They even use carragenan (sp) in the organic foods. I've read about the SCD...it's harsh. I may do it for 2 weeks when I get some downtime just to see if I feel differently. :) Thanks again. Hope you are doing well.
 
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