Dermatitis herpetiformis
Dermatitis herpetiformis (pronunciation: der-muh-tie-tis her-peh-tuh-for-mis) is a chronic, autoimmune, blistering skin condition that is associated with gluten sensitivity. It is also known as Duhring's disease.
Etymology
The term "Dermatitis herpetiformis" is derived from the Greek words "derma" meaning skin, "itis" meaning inflammation, "herpeton" meaning creeping, and "formis" meaning shape. This refers to the characteristic appearance of the skin lesions in this condition, which resemble those seen in herpes infections, although there is no actual connection with the herpes virus.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of Dermatitis herpetiformis is an intensely itchy rash consisting of bumps and blisters. The rash usually appears on the elbows, knees, and buttocks, but can occur anywhere on the body.
Causes
Dermatitis herpetiformis is caused by an abnormal immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This response leads to the formation of IgA antibodies, which deposit in the skin and trigger an inflammatory reaction.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Dermatitis herpetiformis is typically made based on the characteristic appearance of the rash and confirmed by a skin biopsy. Blood tests may also be done to detect the presence of IgA antibodies.
Treatment
The main treatment for Dermatitis herpetiformis is a lifelong gluten-free diet. Medications such as dapsone or sulfapyridine may also be used to control symptoms.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Wikipedia's article - Dermatitis herpetiformis
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