Skin manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disorder of the colon that is associated with several extra intestinal manifestations in multiple organs. Several mucous membrane and skin disorders occur in patients with UC. These disorders are not unique to UC and often occur secondary to other causes or in the absence of an apparent cause. One or more such disorders may occur together in association with UC. Mucous membrane and skin disorders may antedate, occur with, or postdate the onset of UC. The dermatologist plays an important role in suspecting the diagnosis of UC that presents with associated mucous membrane or skin disorders. This review covers the clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, workup, and management of selected mucocutaneous manifestations in UC. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.