The Relationship Between Gastroenterological, Skin and Allergic Diseases: Myths, Abuses, Reality (Literature Review)

Abstract

Every day, a person comes into contact with harmful factors of the external and internal environment. This creates a colossal impact on the barrier protection of our body, which is based on the skin, mucous membrane and gastrointestinal tract (GIT). They are the first to come into contact with mechanical, chemical and biological factors. Their integral and close relationship is the foundation for maintaining homeostasis in our body. Disorders of their integral protection can cause a number of diseases both on the part of the skin and mucous membrane, and GIT. In addition, it is the cause of numerous errors in the doctor’s practice, which primarily affect the physical and psychological state of the patient. The idea of writing the article came from numerous discussions of the co-authors, who are practicing gastroenterologists and scientists. Many gastroenterologists are faced with the irrational referral of a patient by a dermatologist or allergist with any skin symptoms or allergies to consult a gastroenterologist. Referrals without a prior diagnosis, or at least referring a patient to a gastroenterologist without a specific suspicion of a specific GIT disease, should be avoided. Support such as “it’s your liver”, “treat your gallbladder”, “the problem should be looked for internally, go to a gastroenterologist” is not accepted. Another mistake is the complete ignoring of such a referral by a gastroenterologist. The phrase “find another dermatologist” is also not an option. The purpose of this article is to improve the approaches among doctors of all specialties, primarily dermatologists, allergists, and gastroenterologists, in the management of patients with skin syndrome or allergies.