dermatitis Herpetiformis Summary

A dermatologist who is experienced at recognizing dermatitis herpetiformis should do the biopsy. The biopsy is taken of one of the blisters or the skin at the edge of the lesion. The biopsy should not be taken from the lesion, but from the edge or just near the lesion - it can be misdiagnosed as herpes if taken from the lesion. An iodine patch can be used to bring about a blister. If one has dermatitis herpetiformis, a blister will form; if not, one does not have dermatitis herpetiformis. A positive dermatitis herpetiformis biopsy will show IgA antibodies. The lab should be looking for IgA deposits in a granular line at a specific location in the skin. Some dermatologists use an immunofluorescence method of examination. dermatitis herpetiformis usually appears where pressure is applied to the body, but can appear anywhere. If the biopsy is not taken correctly you can get an incorrect negative. This is a positive method of diagnoses.

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