[frogrun]

If I have Celiac, does it really matter if I get diagnosed with DH? I'm trying to figure out if I really need to make an appointment with the dermatologist. I mean, Celiac is Celiac whether or not it is in your skin or your gut, so why get another diagnosis?

[JillianLindsay]

My concern (IMHO) would be what if it's not DH. If they rule out DH then they can continue testing to make sure they take the appropriate course of treatment. If it's confirmed then you know the gluten-free diet is your treatment

My internal medicine specialist said once the Dx of celiac disease is confirmed some DRs and patients tend to attribute everything to celiac disease and don't take the time to rule out other co-occuring or related (or even unrelated) disorders and illnesses.

It's totally up to you, but it doesn't hurt to be thorough (unless you're not covered by medical insurance, in which case you might just wait to see if the gluten-free diet clears up the suspected DH).

Good luck whatever you decide!
Jillian

frogrun, on Jul 31 2009, 04:14 PM, said:

If I have Celiac, does it really matter if I get diagnosed with DH? I'm trying to figure out if I really need to make an appointment with the dermatologist. I mean, Celiac is Celiac whether or not it is in your skin or your gut, so why get another diagnosis?

[mysecretcurse]

Just depends on you and what you need for yourself. I am self diagnosed all around(both celiac and DH), and fine with that. Other people feel more comfortable getting a professional diagnosis. Up to you!