What should you know about genital Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory condition that can affect the digestive tract and, in some people, skin outside it. Genital involvement may cause persistent swelling, redness, cracks, ulcers, skin tags, abscesses, or channels that drain near the vulva, penis, scrotum, or anus. The appearance can resemble infection or another skin problem.

Genital symptoms may occur with bowel symptoms such as abdominal pain or diarrhoea, but they can also appear when bowel symptoms are quiet. This is not a sign of poor hygiene, and it is not automatically a sexually transmitted infection.

Arrange a GP consultation or specialist review for new swelling, sores, discharge, pain, or a draining area. The clinician may examine the skin, ask about bowel symptoms and previous flare-ups, and use blood tests or other tests when needed. Several specialties may coordinate care.

Use gentle washing, pat the area dry, and avoid fragranced products, tight clothing, and squeezing lesions. Treatment is chosen for the cause and may include anti-inflammatory treatment, wound care, or treatment for an abscess. Keep taking prescribed Crohn's treatment unless your clinician tells you otherwise.

Seek urgent care for rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, fever, feeling faint, spreading redness, or difficulty passing urine or stool. Prompt review is also needed for pus, a new draining opening, or genital pain with marked illness, because an abscess may need treatment.

Ask whether the changes could be Crohn's inflammation, infection, or another skin condition; which tests are needed; and how to protect the skin while it heals. Discuss bowel symptoms, sexual health concerns, fertility questions, and who will coordinate follow-up.