Crohn’s is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, which causes symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. However, Crohn’s disease can affect other parts of the body as well, causing peripheral symptoms.

In this article, we will discuss the peripheral symptoms of Crohn’s disease and the available treatment options.

Peripheral Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

Joint Pain

Joint pain is a common peripheral symptom in Crohn’s disease. It is often located in the lower back and large joints like knees and ankles.

The joint pain is usually mild to moderate in intensity and often comes and goes, depending on the disease flare-ups.

Skin Lesions

Crohn’s disease can cause skin manifestations such as nodules, erythema nodosum, and pyoderma gangrenosum.

Nodules are usually painless, firm bumps under the skin, while erythema nodosum and pyoderma gangrenosum are painful red bumps or sores on the legs. These skin lesions tend to occur during periods of active Crohn’s disease, although they can also persist even when the intestinal symptoms have improved.

Eye Inflammation

Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation in the eyes, which typically presents as uveitis or episcleritis. Uveitis is an inflammation of the uveal tract of the eye and may cause symptoms such as blurry vision, eye redness, and pain.

Episcleritis is an inflammation of the episclera, a thin layer of tissue covering the white part of the eye. People with episcleritis may experience soreness, sensitivity to light, and redness of the affected eye.

Oral Ulcers

Crohn’s disease can cause painful sores in the mouth, which are known as oral ulcers. These ulcers are typically found on the inside of the cheeks, lips, or tongue, and can make speaking, eating, or drinking painful.

Liver Disease

Crohn’s disease can also affect the liver, causing various liver-related conditions such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

People with Crohn’s disease who develop liver problems may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, jaundice, and itching.

Treatment Options for Peripheral Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

Peripheral symptoms of Crohn’s disease often require specific treatment strategies, in addition to the standard treatment methods for the intestinal symptoms.

Below are some treatment options that may be beneficial for the peripheral symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

Joint Pain

To manage joint pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not recommended as they can exacerbate Crohn’s disease.

Corticosteroids can be helpful for acute joint pain, but there is a risk of side effects if used for a prolonged period. Physical therapy, low impact exercise, and weight management are other strategies that can improve joint health and reduce pain.

Skin Lesions

Skin lesions in Crohn’s disease typically resolve once the intestinal symptoms are under control. However, in severe cases, treatment may require corticosteroid creams, antibiotics, or immunosuppressive agents like azathioprine or methotrexate.

Patients should also maintain good skin hygiene and avoid skin injuries that can trigger the lesions.

Eye Inflammation

For mild cases of uveitis or episcleritis, topical corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be sufficient for managing the inflammation. For severe cases, oral steroids may be required to suppress the immune response.

People with Crohn’s disease should receive regular eye exams to detect and treat any eye-related complications.

Oral Ulcers

For treating oral ulcers in Crohn’s disease, topical anesthetics, corticosteroids, or antibiotics may be prescribed. Mouthwashes with antimicrobial agents can also help reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infections.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding foods that trigger the ulcers can also help in their management.

Liver Disease

The best way to manage liver diseases in Crohn’s disease is by treating the underlying Crohn’s disease. Certain medications like ursodeoxycholic acid may help reduce liver inflammation.

It is essential for people with Crohn’s disease who have liver problems to avoid alcohol and maintain good liver health habits.

Conclusion

Crohn’s disease can affect various parts of the body beyond the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with Crohn’s disease may experience peripheral symptoms such as joint pain, skin lesions, oral ulcers, eye inflammation, and liver disease.

These symptoms often require specific treatment strategies, in addition to the standard treatment approach for intestinal symptoms. A comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all symptoms can help improve the quality of life of people with Crohn’s disease.