Some diseases affecting the digestive tract or biliary system may also cause eruptions or changes in the skin. Alternatively, two separate conditions could occur simultaneously, as in a flare-up of eczema and an exacerbation of irritable bowel syndrome triggered by emotional stress. Digestive and skin symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional because they could indicate a serious underlying condition.
Celiac Disease and Dermatitis
With celiac disease, nutrient-absorbing cilia in the small intestine are damaged as a result of an abnormal immune reaction to gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye. Poor absorption of nutrients may cause weight loss and fatigue as well as digestive discomfort. Dermatitis herpetiformis is an intensely itchy eruption that appears on both sides of the body in some people who have celiac disease. It is characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters on reddened skin. The rash may ooze and form crusts. Its herpes-like appearance gives the condition its name. DermNet NZ reports that men are more likely than women to have celiac disease with dermatitis herpetiformis. Elimination of all dietary sources of gluten allows the small intestine to heal and effectively relieves digestive symptoms and clears up the rash.
Liver Problems
Cirrhosis of the liver is the result of long-term inflammation and injury, which produces irreversible scarring. Some common causes of liver cirrhosis are chronic alcohol abuse, hepatitis C infection and obesity. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports that many people have more than one risk factor for liver damage. As scar tissue gradually replaces healthy tissue, the liver becomes less able to perform its role in the metabolism of fats and proteins and to remove toxins from the bloodstream. Impaired circulation and inflammation cause pain, swelling and tenderness in the upper right area of the abdomen, along with nausea, vomiting and a loss of appetite. The accumulation of toxins in the blood causes the skin to become yellow and to itch all over. Altered clotting factors result in spider veins and bruising on the surface of the skin.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic inflammation and ulceration of the digestive tract. Unlike ulcerative colitis, Crohn's is not confined to one area or to the lining of the colon, but it may damage any portion of the gastrointestinal tract and ulcerate deeper layers of the bowel. Pain is usually felt in the lower right area of the abdomen and may be accompanied by bloody diarrhea. DermNet NZ states that the spread of fissures and abscesses to areas outside the digestive tract occurs in 40 percent of Crohn's cases. Sores typically appear on the face or genital area, but mildly itchy lesions, red spots or plaques may also appear on the trunk, arms and legs of people with Crohn's disease. Sometimes rashes appear prior to digestive symptoms. Typically diagnosed in young adults, Crohn's disease seems to run in families. The cause of this chronic condition may stem from a heightened immune reaction to bacteria or food.
