Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a painful, itchy, blistering, and burning skin rash. Elbows, knees, scalp, back, and buttocks are all affected by the rash and itching. This rash may be a sign of gluten sensitivity, which may be linked to celiac disease, a more serious condition. DH is frequently referred to as Duhring’s illness or a gluten rash because of its inflammatory properties. People with this illness must adhere to a rigorous gluten-free diet in order to avoid complications.

 

Symptoms

The celiac disease manifests itself in a variety of ways and manifests itself differently in children and adults. Adult digestive signs and symptoms include the following:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Loss of weight
• Bloating and gas are common symptoms during pregnancy.
• Pain in the abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms.
• Constipation

More than half of people with celiac disease, on the other hand, experience signs and symptoms that are not connected to the digestive system, such as:

• Anemia, which is generally caused by a lack of iron,
• Osteoporosis is defined as a decrease in bone density or a weakening of the bone (osteomalacia)
• Rashes on the skin that are itchy and blistered (dermatitis herpetiformis)
• Ulcers in the mouth
• Headaches and tiredness are common.
• Injury to the nervous system, which may result in numbness and tingling in the feet and hands, as well as probable balance issues and cognitive impairment.
• Joint discomfort is a common occurrence.
• Spleen function has been found to be impaired (hyposplenism)

 

Diagnosis

Doctors frequently take a skin scrape or a skin biopsy to diagnose a skin rash. A doctor takes a tiny sample of skin to submit to a lab for analysis.

An intestinal biopsy may be recommended by a doctor, especially if you have gastrointestinal issues. Anti-gliadin, anti-reticulin, and anti-endomysial antibodies can be found in blood testing when a skin biopsy cannot confirm or rule out DH.

 

Treatment

A gluten-free diet is the most effective therapy for DH. A qualified dietitian can assist identify and removing obvious and hidden gluten sources, and offer short- and long-term replacements.
Doctors commonly prescribe dapsone to relieve symptoms quickly. But some folks can’t take dapsone. These people can use sulfapyridine or sulfamethoxypyridazine-containing medications instead.
This drug may be used for a few months to two years trusted Source. DH can then go into remission. No symptoms for 2 years without medicine or a particular diet is remission.

 

Home Remedies

While you may learn about certain home cures for DH and celiac disease, it is critical to understand that they are ineffective without a strict GFD. If you are on a rigorous GFD, some of the most suggested home cures include:

Omega-3 rich foods
Activated charcoal
Herbal infusions

 

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience diarrhea or stomach problems for two weeks or more. If your kid is pale, irritable, not growing, has a potbelly, or has foul-smelling, thick feces, see a doctor.

Consult your doctor before becoming gluten-free. If you stop or limit your gluten intake before getting tested for celiac disease, you can alter the findings.

Celiac disease is often hereditary. Ask your doctor if you should be checked if someone in your family has it. Ask your doctor about testing for celiac disease if you or a family member has it.

 

Summary

Celiac disease testing is recommended before becoming gluten-free in the event that you or someone in your family has DH. Remember, however, that a negative test does not rule out DH, since some individuals with DH may have a negative celiac blood test, despite being extremely beneficial to rule out celiac disease. When it comes to additional tests, preparing oneself with information regarding your body’s sensitivity to gluten might be helpful.