Dermatitis herpetiformis

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Dermatitis herpetiformis
File:Dermatitis-herpetiformis.jpg Dermatitis herpetiformis rash
Synonyms	Duhring's disease
Pronounce
Specialty	Dermatology, Gastroenterology
Symptoms	Itchy, blistering skin rash
Complications	N/A
Onset	Typically in adulthood
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Gluten sensitivity
Risks	Celiac disease, Autoimmune disorders
Diagnosis	Skin biopsy, Direct immunofluorescence
Differential diagnosis	Eczema, Psoriasis, Scabies
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Dapsone, Gluten-free diet
Medication	Dapsone
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a chronic, blistering skin condition that is a form of celiac disease. The name "dermatitis herpetiformis" is a descriptive name and is not related to either dermatitis or herpes, but indicates that the rash is skin inflammation and is often grouped in clusters.

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. Most people with DH have the rash on the same parts of their body each time they have an outbreak.

Causes

Dermatitis herpetiformis is caused by a sensitivity or intolerance to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat and grains. When a person with DH consumes foods or uses products that contain gluten, their immune system reacts by causing skin inflammation.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of dermatitis herpetiformis is typically confirmed with a skin biopsy, which involves removing a small piece of skin to examine under a microscope. Blood tests may also be done to check for certain antibodies that are often present in people with DH.

Treatment

The main treatment for dermatitis herpetiformis is a lifelong gluten-free diet. Medications may also be used to help control the symptoms, but they are not a cure. Dapsone, a medication that suppresses the immune system, is commonly used.

Dermatitis_herpetiformis gallery

• Close-up of dermatitis herpetiformis
  Close-up of dermatitis herpetiformis
• Cross-reactivity hypothesis for the onset of dermatitis herpetiformis in patients with celiac disease
  Cross-reactivity hypothesis for the onset of dermatitis herpetiformis in patients with celiac disease
• Micrograph of dermatitis herpetiformis
  Micrograph of dermatitis herpetiformis

See also

• Celiac Disease
• Gluten-free diet
• Dapsone

References

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