Inflammatory dowel disease, azathioprine and skin cancer: case report and literature review

A 42-year-old blond Caucasian woman taking azathioprine for 8 years develop ed an intra-epidermal carcinoma of the shin, She regularly used a sun bed t o maintain a tan. Although the increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer i n immunosuppressed transplant recipients is well recognized, patients with Crohn's disease are not currently warned of the risk of exposure to ultravi olet light. Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease who take azathiopri ne, especially those with a fair complexion, should be informed of the pote ntial dangers of sun bathing and should be advised to limit sun exposure. E ur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 13:193-194 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkin s.