Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Dermatitis herpetiformis is commonly known as Duhring’s disease, Celiac disease, or gluten rash. This chronic skin condition causes bumps, blisters, and itching. The main cause is sensitivity to gluten. Gluten is found in foods such as wheat, ry,e, and barley.
Of those diagnosed with Celiac disease, 10-25 percent also have dermatitis herpetiformis but do not have the digestive symptoms that accompany Celiac disease. However, almost all patients with dermatitis herpetiformis have Celiac disease.
Dermatitis herpetiformis is sometimes referred to as the skin manifestation of Celiac disease. This is because some of the symptoms experienced by dermatitis herpetiformis sufferers, such as diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal discomfort, are symptoms of Celiac disease.
For general information about dermatitis, you can read this article: Dermatitis – Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatment.
Symptoms of Dermatitis Herpetiformis
This autoimmune disease can cause skin, mouth, and gastrointestinal disorders related to gluten sensitivity. Here are some symptoms experienced by sufferers:
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Skin Disorders
Skin disorders that appear such as excessive itching and red skin lesions that appear in groups. Lesions generally appear on the elbows, knees, buttocks, and scalp of sufferers. Lesions rarely appear on the face and groin.
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Mouth Disorders
Oral disorders are characterized by defects in tooth enamel. Sometimes horizontal grooves, holes, or discoloration are found. Sufferers rarely develop mouth ulcers or canker sores.
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Gastrointestinal Disorders
Gastrointestinal disorders are characterized by inflammation and damage to the small intestine. In addition, other digestive disorders can be characterized by bloating, cramps, pain, diarrhea, or constipation.
Causes of Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Patients with dermatitis herpetiformis have an autoimmune reaction when they consume gluten. The immune system is produced when gluten is digested. The antibodies (IgA) produced are then stored in the skin. This is what triggers itching, red bumps, and blisters in sufferers.
In addition, genetics also play a role in triggering the emergence of a number of symptoms. As many as 5 percent of sufferers come from a family history of the same condition. Genes that are closely related to dermatitis herpetiformis are HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8.
Although doctors still don’t fully understand the cause of dermatitis herpetiformis, genetics and lifestyle factors likely play a role. Symptoms of the disease are significantly reduced in people who avoid gluten in their diet.
Gluten itself is a protein in grains, including wheat and rye. Examples of foods that contain gluten include:
- Bread.
- Pastry.
- Noodles.
- A kind of spaghetti.
- Cereals.
- Baked goods.
Dermatitis Herpetiformis Risk Factors
There are many factors that can increase the risk of this skin infection. However, it tends to occur in people with:
- Having a family member with Celiac disease or herpes dermatitis.
- Having type 1 diabetes.
- Having Down syndrome or Turner syndrome.
- Suffering from thyroid gland disease.
- Suffering from Sjögren’s syndrome.
- Having colitis.
Dermatitis Herpetiformis Diagnosis
After examining the bumps and blisters, your doctor may perform a skin biopsy and blood test to confirm the diagnosis. The tests will help determine whether you have dermatitis herpetiformis or a different skin condition. Here’s how the procedure works:
- Skin biopsy. This procedure involves taking one or two skin samples to check for disease.
- Blood test. This procedure is done by checking for two antibodies commonly found in people with Celiac disease, namely anti-endomysial and anti-tissue transglutaminase.
Dermatitis Herpetiformis Treatment
Treatment is limited to helping to overcome symptoms such as skin rashes and itching. The medication will be consumed by sufferers within 1-3 days. To support healing, the doctor will recommend a topical corticosteroid cream to help overcome itching.
If tests show that you have Celiac disease, your doctor will advise you to stop eating certain foods that contain gluten altogether. You will also be advised to stop eating salt, as it can worsen your symptoms.
Prevention of Dermatitis Herpetiformis
So far, there is no specific way to prevent the disease. However, lifestyle changes such as a gluten diet can reduce the potential for recurrence of skin infections or gastrointestinal disorders in the future. If you do not have Celiac disease, you do not need to avoid gluten.
On the other hand, you should avoid all foods containing gluten if you have Celiac disease. This is one of the effective ways to help manage your Celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis.
When to See a Doctor?
It is recommended to immediately see a doctor if you experience a number of the symptoms mentioned. In addition to avoiding gluten, you are advised to change your lifestyle to be healthier to avoid disease.
