Systemic signs and symptoms are more common with Chrohns than with ulcerative colitis.
In a pediatric population, “Crohn’s disease is more common than ulcerative colitis”.
Check, in adults, Crohn’s is also more common.
Perianal manifestations are more characteristic of Chrohns than Ulcerative Colitis.
“Crohn’s disease typically spares the rectum. Ulcerative colitis usually has rectal involvement, progresses proximally, and rarely has perianal or systemic manifestations (SOR A). Both conditions may cause bloody diarrhea as well as inflammatory arthropathies, eye inflammation such as uveitis, and skin findings such as erythema nodosum.” ABFM 2016
“Inflammatory bowel disease is divided into two categories: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Noncontiguous or “skip” lesions that are transmural in nature and are found throughout the gastrointestinal tract make a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease likely in this patient. Corticosteroids are more effective in inducing remission than placebo and 5-ASA products (SOR A). A Cochrane review revealed no difference between elemental and nonelemental diets with regard to symptom remission (SOR A). Anti-TNF agents such as infliximab should be considered in patients with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease who do not respond to initial corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy, but these are not recommended for initial treatment. While antibiotics such as metronidazole are widely used for both their anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties, controlled trials have not demonstrated their effectiveness. Surgical intervention should be considered in patients with ulcerative colitis, but surgery is not indicated for Crohn’s disease.” ABFM
Reference
Am Fam Physician 2007;76(9):1323-1330.
Am Fam Physician 2011;84(12):1365-1375