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Important Information


For more information on Celiac Disease, please visit one of our group's advisors:

Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University

University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research

 
 



WHAT IS DERMATITIS HERPETIFORMIS?

DH is directly related to Celiac Sprue Disease. 5% of celiac's also have DH. DH is a form of gluten sensitivity in which the skin, rather than the small intestines is the primary target. The symptoms are severely itchy skin condition that often starts abruptly, affecting the elbows, knees, buttocks, scalp and back. It usually starts as little bumps that can become tiny blisters and then are usually scratched off and can become infected. DH can occur in only one spot, but often appears in several areas. People with DH also have damage being done to their small intestines.

DIAGNOSING DERMATITIS HERPETIFORMIS
DH is diagnosed by multiple skin biopsies done by a dermatologist that is knowledgeable of Celiac Disease and DH.
TREATMENT FOR DERMATITIS HERPETIFORMIS
Much research has been done to demonstrate the effectiveness of the gluten free diet for DH patients. DH patients all have Celiac Disease and villi damage is present. Research from the Celiac Centers indicate that, once the gluten free diet is being maintained, there are no further skin symptoms along with no further villi damage. A temporagy treatment to reduce the intense itching caused by the skin eruptions is dapsone. Dapsone is a prescription that needs to be monitored as it is a steroid with complications.
American Celiac Family Support Group of RI

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