From the Guidelines
Yes, Crohn's disease can cause itching in some patients. Itching may occur as a direct symptom of Crohn's disease itself or as a result of complications or treatments associated with the condition, as noted in the ECCO guidelines on therapeutics in Crohn's disease 1. When Crohn's affects the liver and bile ducts, it can lead to primary sclerosing cholangitis or other liver issues that cause bile salt buildup in the skin, resulting in pruritus (itching). Some medications used to treat Crohn's, such as biologics or immunomodulators, may also trigger skin reactions including itching as a side effect.
Key points to consider:
- Crohn's disease can affect individuals of any age and may cause significant morbidity and impact on quality of life [QoL], as stated in the ECCO guidelines 1
- The precise aetiology of CD remains unknown and a curative therapy is not yet available, making management of symptoms like itching crucial
- Nutritional deficiencies common in Crohn's patients, particularly vitamin D, zinc, and iron deficiencies, can contribute to dry skin and itching
- If you experience persistent itching with Crohn's disease, consulting a gastroenterologist is recommended, who may suggest various treatments to manage symptoms while the underlying Crohn's disease is being treated, such as antihistamines, topical corticosteroids, or cholestyramine for bile salt-related itching.
Management strategies may include:
- Keeping skin moisturized
- Avoiding hot showers
- Using fragrance-free products
- Considering medications like cetirizine (10mg daily) for mild cases, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan under medical supervision.
From the FDA Drug Label
Pruritus 2% 7% Skin and appendages disorders Rash 5% 10% Pruritus 2% 7%
Yes, Crohn's disease can cause itching, as evidenced by the presence of pruritus in the adverse reactions reported in the clinical trials of infliximab for Crohn's disease treatment 2.
From the Research
Crohn's Disease and Itching
- Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause a range of symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss 3.
- In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, Crohn's disease can also cause extraintestinal manifestations, including skin lesions and itching 4, 5, 6, 7.
- Skin lesions associated with Crohn's disease can include erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum, and Sweet's syndrome, among others 4.
- These skin lesions can cause itching, pain, and discomfort, and can be debilitating for some patients 6, 7.
- Treatment for skin lesions associated with Crohn's disease typically involves managing the underlying intestinal disease activity, as well as using topical or systemic steroids to reduce inflammation and itching 4, 7.
- In some cases, biologic therapies such as adalimumab may be used to treat skin lesions and itching associated with Crohn's disease, particularly in patients who do not respond to traditional therapies 7.