Improving Diagnosis by Addressing Gut Health's Connection to Dermatology

In the second part of their HCPLive Special Report series, dermatologist Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, and gastroenterologist Adelina Hung, MD, continue their in-depth conversation on cross-specialty collaboration in the care of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Hung is the director of the IBD Program at Sinai Health System Chicago and a clinical assistant professor at the Rosalind Franklin University Medical School. Chovatiya serves as a clinical associate professor at Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School and director of the Center for Medical Dermatology and Immunology Research.

This installment of their Special Report series centers on the critical role of early diagnosis and shared therapeutic decision-making in dermatology and gastroenterology. Hung emphasizes that dermatologists are often the first to encounter visible symptoms of gastrointestinal disease, such as in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Prompt recognition and referral can dramatically alter the disease course, as early treatment can prevent complications like strictures, abscesses, and hospitalization. Chovatiya echoes the need for greater diagnostic awareness and highlights the bidirectional association between gut and skin disorders.

The pair discuss the expanding therapeutic landscape, emphasizing that new treatment options in IBD now allow for personalized care that considers comorbidities across specialties. Through case-based examples—including a patient misperceived to be on dual biologics—they illustrate how poor communication between providers can lead to confusion, whereas open dialogue optimizes outcomes.

Hung and Chovatiya also advocate for shared outcome tracking and collaborative research, including microbiome-focused studies and trials enrolling multi-morbid patients. Ultimately, the episode reinforces that interdisciplinary care not only improves patient outcomes, but strengthens trust and continuity across specialties.

Editors’ note: Chovatiya has reported serving as an advisor, consultant, speaker, and/or investigator for AbbVie, Amgen, Apogee Therapeutics, Arcutis, Argenx, ASLAN Pharmaceuticals, Beiersdorf, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cara Therapeutics, Dermavant, Eli Lilly and Company, FIDE, Formation Bio, Galderma, Genentech, GSK, Incyte, LEO Pharma, L’Oréal, Nektar Therapeutics, Novartis, Opsidio, Pfizer Inc, Regeneron, RAPT, Sanofi, Sitryx, and UCB. Hung has no relevant disclosures.

This summary was created with the help of artificial intelligence tools.