Dermatitis herpetiformis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a very itchy rash consisting of bumps and blisters. The rash is chronic (long-term).

T Causes
P DH usually begins in people age 20 and older. Children can sometimes be affected. It is seen in both men and women.
P The exact cause is unknown. It is an autoimmune disorder. There is a strong link between DH and celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the small intestine from eating gluten. People with DH also have a sensitivity to gluten, which causes the skin rash. About 25% of people with celiac disease also have DH.

T Symptoms
P Symptoms include:
- Extremely itchy bumps or blisters, most often on the elbows, knees, back, and buttocks.
- Rashes that are usually the same size and shape on both sides.
- The rash can look like eczema.
- Scratch marks and skin erosions instead of blisters in some people. 
P Most people with DH have damage to their intestines from eating gluten. But only some have intestinal symptoms.

T Exams and Tests
P In most cases, a skin biopsy and direct immunofluorescence test of the skin are performed. The health care provider may also recommend a biopsy of the intestines. Blood tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

T Treatment
P An antibiotic called dapsone is very effective.
P A strict gluten-free diet will also be recommended to help control the disease. Sticking to this diet may eliminate the need for medicines and prevent later complications.
P Drugs that supress the immune system may be used, but are less effective.

T Outlook (Prognosis)
P The disease may be well-controlled with treatment. Without treatment, there may be a significant risk of intestinal cancer.

T Possible Complications
P Complications may include:
- Autoimmune thyroid disease
- Develop certain cancers, especially lymphomas of the intestines
- Side effects of the drugs used to treat DH

T When to Contact a Medical Professional
P Call your provider if you have a rash that continues despite treatment.

T Prevention
P There is no known prevention of this disease. People with this condition may be able to prevent complications by avoiding foods that contain gluten.

T Alternative Names
P Duhring disease; DH

T Images
- Dermatitis, herpetiformis - close-up of lesion
- Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the knee
- Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the arm and legs
- Dermatitis herpetiformis on the thumb
- Dermatitis herpetiformis on the hand
- Dermatitis herpetiformis on the forearm

T References
P Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Duncan KO, Ko CJ. Dermatitis herpetiformis and linear IgA bullous dermatosis. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Duncan KO, Ko CJ, eds. Dermatology Essentials. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 25.
P Kelly CP. Celiac disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 107.
P Zone JJ. Dermatitis herpetiformis. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Berth-Jones J, Coulson I, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 55.

T Review Date 4/14/2017
P Updated by: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

