Symptom 8. Skin Rashes: An External Sign of Internal Distress
At first glance, it might seem odd to connect skin rashes with a condition like ulcerative colitis. After all, UC primarily affects the digestive system. However, the inflammation resulting from UC can manifest in other ways, including skin rashes. In this sense, these rashes can serve as an external sign of the internal distress caused by UC.
One common type of rash seen in UC is erythema nodosum, characterized by tender, red nodules that usually appear on the shins. These nodules aren’t just unsightly; they can be quite painful. They’re the result of inflammation beneath the skin, a condition that often occurs in tandem with inflammatory diseases elsewhere in the body, such as UC.
The timing and severity of these rashes often correspond to the activity of the bowel disease. In other words, they tend to flare up during periods of intense bowel inflammation and recede when the bowel symptoms are well-managed. This correlation underscores the systemic nature of UC — a reminder that it’s not just a bowel disease, but a condition that can impact various parts of the body. (8)
