DERMATITIS HERPETIFORMIS

 Basic information

description

Dermatitis herpetiformis is a rare, chronic skin condition. It usually affects the skin of the elbows, knees, shoulders, arms, legs, and over the bottom of the spine (sacrum). It can occur at any age (more often ages 20 to 40) and affects men slightly more than women.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Small clusters of 5 to 20 blisters. Clusters appear at the same time on both sides of the body in the same places.
• Severe itching and burning of the affected areas.
• Dryness of the mouth in some patients.

causes

It is an autoimmune disorder associated with gluten sensitivity. Gluten is a protein (found in wheat and other foods) that cannot be digested by some persons because of the sensitivity. Most gluten-sensitivity persons have gastrointestinal symptoms (called celiac disease or gluten-sensitive enteropathy). Many patients with dermatitis herpetiformis do not have the gastrointestinal symptoms of celiac disease.

risk increases with

Family history of dermatitis herpetiformis.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Cannot be prevented at present.

expected outcomes

This is a chronic disease. Treatment can help control symptoms (including itching) but it will not cure the disease.

possible complications

• Gastrointestinal symptoms of gluten sensitivity.
• People with dermatitis herpetiformis are more at risk for other autoimmune disorders (e.g., thyroid disease and diabetes) or lymphoma (cancer of the lymph tissue).

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam of the affected skin area. A biopsy of the skin (removal of a small amount of skin tissue for viewing under a microscope) will verify the diagnosis.
• Treatment includes drugs and a gluten-free diet or both. It can take 6 or more months for symptoms to improve using a gluten-free diet. Drugs can improve the symptoms more quickly.

medications

• Oral drugs (e.g., dapsone, sulfapyridine, and others) may be prescribed.
• Your health care provider may suggest topical skin products that help relieve symptoms.

activity

No limits unless advised otherwise.

diet

• Avoid gluten in your diet. A dietitian can help with meal planning.
• Other diet changes may be recommended by your health care provider.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.

Special Notes: