NHS warns little-known symptom on leg could be sign of Crohn’s disease
The NHS is encouraging individuals to visit their GP if they notice a key symptom that can occur anywhere on the body, but is most commonly seen on the legs. According to their official website, the health experts warn "patches of painful, red, and swollen skin - usually on the legs" could be a sign of Crohn’s disease.
Crohn's disease is a chronic condition with no cure and is caused by inflammation in parts of the digestive system. It is classified as a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a broader term for similar conditions.
What causes Crohn's disease?
The cause is unknown and there's no evidence to suggest a particular diet causes Crohn's disease. It's thought several things could play a role, including:
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your genes – you're more likely to get it if a close family member has it
a problem with the immune system (the body's defence against infection) that causes it to attack the digestive system
smoking
a previous stomach bug
an abnormal balance of gut bacteria
What are the symptoms of Crohn's disease?
Anyone can get crohn's disease and symptoms usually start in childhood or early adulthood. The main symptoms are:
diarrhoea – which may come on suddenly
stomach aches and cramps – most often in the lower-right part of your tummy
blood in your poo
tiredness (fatigue)
weight loss
You might not have all these symptoms. Some people with Crohn's disease also have:
a high temperature
feeling and being sick
joint pains
sore, red eyes
patches of painful, red and swollen skin – usually on the legs
mouth ulcers
Children with Crohn's disease may grow more slowly than usual
It's noted that symptoms may be constant or they could come and go. When they re-appear, experts refer to this as a "flare up."
Should I see my GP?
See a GP if you or your child have:
blood in your poo
diarrhoea for more than 7 days
frequent stomach aches or cramps
lost weight for no reason, or your child's not growing as fast as you'd expect
If your GP thinks you could have Crohn's disease, they will refer you to a gastroenterologist for tests to confirm the diagnosis. Tests you may have include:
a colonoscopy – a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end is inserted into your bottom to look for inflammation in your bowel
a biopsy – tiny pieces of your bowel are removed during a colonoscopy and checked for signs of Crohn's disease
an MRI scan or CT scan – you may have a special drink first to make your bowel show up clearly on the scan