Dermatitis Herpetiformis

A chronic autoimmune skin disorder characterized by the development of pruritic papulovesicular and bullous lesions in the elbows, knees, buttocks, and back. It is associated with an increased expression of HLA-A1, HLA-B8, and HLA-DR3 antibodies.

Symptoms of Dermatitis Herpetiformis

The following features are indicative of Dermatitis Herpetiformis:
  • extremely itchy bumps or blisters
  • rashes
  • eczema
  • scratch marks
  • skin erosions
  • anemia
It is possible that Dermatitis Herpetiformis shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Dermatitis Herpetiformis

The following are the most common causes of Dermatitis Herpetiformis:
  • autoimmune disorder
  • environmental factors
  • viral infection
  • severe emotional stress

Risk Factors for Dermatitis Herpetiformis

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Dermatitis Herpetiformis:
  • family member with celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis
  • type 1 diabetes
  • Down syndrome or Turner syndrome
  • autoimmune thyroid disease
  • microscopic colitis (lymphocytic or collagenous colitis)
  • Addison's disease
  • rheumatoid arthritis

Prevention of Dermatitis Herpetiformis

No, it is not possible to prevent Dermatitis Herpetiformis.
  • mutations in HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 genes

Occurrence of Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Dermatitis Herpetiformis cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Dermatitis Herpetiformis can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Dermatitis Herpetiformis can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Dermatitis Herpetiformis

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Dermatitis Herpetiformis:
  • Physical exam: To check body for a rash or malnutrition and to check abdomen for pain and fullness
  • Blood tests: To test for antibodies in the blood
  • Genetic tests: To check for particular gene changes
  • Intestinal biopsy: To make sure the presence of celiac disease in the body
  • Skin biopsy: To check skin tissue for antibodies

Doctor for Diagnosis of Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Dermatitis Herpetiformis:
  • Dermatologist

Complications of Dermatitis Herpetiformis if untreated

Yes, Dermatitis Herpetiformis causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Dermatitis Herpetiformis is left untreated:
  • malnutrition
  • loss of calcium and bone density
  • infertility and miscarriage
  • lactose intolerance
  • cancer
  • neurological problems

Self-care for Dermatitis Herpetiformis

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Dermatitis Herpetiformis:
  • Take gluten-free foods and drinks: Helps treat celiac disease

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Dermatitis Herpetiformis

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Dermatitis Herpetiformis:
  • Gluten-free diet: To improve the cutaneous lesions in patients

Patient Support for Treatment of Dermatitis Herpetiformis

The following actions may help Dermatitis Herpetiformis patients:
  • Education: Helps dealing with the disease
  • Find a support group: Helps feel comfortable in sharing experience and struggles and meeting people who face similar challenges

Time for Treatment of Dermatitis Herpetiformis

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Dermatitis Herpetiformis to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • More than 1 year

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Dermatitis Herpetiformis.

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