Cutaneous changes associated with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease often begins during adolescence, but may affect younger children. Associated skin lesions are not uncommon. Occasionally, cutaneous alterations may precede the onset of signs or symptoms of the gastrointestinal disorder. Erythema nodosum and pyoderma gangrenosum are the most common associated specific skin changes, but numerous others may be found. Although the skin condition often responds to treatment of the bowel, it may require additional therapy.