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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Combination skin and GI tract problems
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Combination skin and GI tract problems
by Jtrapp, Aug 25, 2006 12:00AM
Don’t know where to go on this.
Cardiac instance last July. Stent implanted
Took many meds and they upset my intestinal tract.
Around November started having “flue” like symptoms with no fever, etc
This has progressed such that my GI tract normally feels bloated, have many small bowel movements (IBS?). Skin in arms (mainly) feels “crawling, burning.”
Will wake up about 2:30 - 3:00 (after going to bed about 10) and feel good and then things get to the point that I have to have a small bowl movement, and my skin feels terrible. Can’t sleep.
This normally last for rest of night. Get up and when I am active I can work around feelings. When at desk, at work, GI tract stays uncomfortable. Normally feels better if I work out, am physically active. Also seems better right after I eat. Also a stiff drink seems to help.
Have had numerous blood tests, ultra sound, cat scan, etc. All show nothing. Have tried probiotics, taken antibiotics to kill overgrowth, all nothing. Have gone to fiber and just seems to make things worse. Tried acupuncture. Minor help for day or so and just comes back.
Normal MD says he has no idea. GI doctors say I need to see a skin DR, because skin is not part of GI tract.. No one I know seems to be able to say why the bowel symptoms and skin symptoms should be connected. What can cause combination, and what do I do?
Cardiac instance last July. Stent implanted
Took many meds and they upset my intestinal tract.
Around November started having “flue” like symptoms with no fever, etc
This has progressed such that my GI tract normally feels bloated, have many small bowel movements (IBS?). Skin in arms (mainly) feels “crawling, burning.”
Will wake up about 2:30 - 3:00 (after going to bed about 10) and feel good and then things get to the point that I have to have a small bowl movement, and my skin feels terrible. Can’t sleep.
This normally last for rest of night. Get up and when I am active I can work around feelings. When at desk, at work, GI tract stays uncomfortable. Normally feels better if I work out, am physically active. Also seems better right after I eat. Also a stiff drink seems to help.
Have had numerous blood tests, ultra sound, cat scan, etc. All show nothing. Have tried probiotics, taken antibiotics to kill overgrowth, all nothing. Have gone to fiber and just seems to make things worse. Tried acupuncture. Minor help for day or so and just comes back.
Normal MD says he has no idea. GI doctors say I need to see a skin DR, because skin is not part of GI tract.. No one I know seems to be able to say why the bowel symptoms and skin symptoms should be connected. What can cause combination, and what do I do?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Aug 26, 2006 12:00AM
, Aug 26, 2006 12:00AM
Although uncommon, there are a couple of GI disorders that can lead to skin symptoms. This can include primary biliary cirrhosis which can lead to pruritis.
There are several inflammatory bowel disorders - such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis - that also can lead to various dermatological conditions.
If suspected, these diseases can be tested via blood tests looking for antimitochondrial antibodies, or via a lower endoscopy.
If negative, a referral to a dermatologist can be considered.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
There are several inflammatory bowel disorders - such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis - that also can lead to various dermatological conditions.
If suspected, these diseases can be tested via blood tests looking for antimitochondrial antibodies, or via a lower endoscopy.
If negative, a referral to a dermatologist can be considered.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
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YES- of course there is a strong connection with skin and GI illnesses- how can it NOT be???? Who in their right mind doesn't think so, especially doctors? Unbelievable.
The body is ONE organism, and if your GI system doesn't function well then you do not absorb nutrients, become deprived and all your organs get affected by it-plus you build up toxins that the body wants to get rid off somehow and through the skin is one of the ways.
So fix the problem not the symptom. GI tract is the problem, not your skin- your skin is the symptom.
anyhow, try CANDIDA first, but do not count on doctors to help you treat it.
First you have to kill the yeast before you do probiotics to replace the good bacteria. Threelac is good, a bit expensive but if you're sick you might lose more in the long run, better spend now a little so you can make more when you're healthy.
Spend the time on the net and follow the tread. I think it's a good start.