Alternatives To Dapsone

[Deano12]

Ive just been diagnosed with celiac disease a few weeks ago and I have the dh rash on my face, elbows, buttocks and knees. I have been gluten free for these few weeks, and have been given dapsone to reduce the imflamation of the rash. I am taking 50mg per day and the dermatologists says this medication is for long term. However I have read dapsone is a pretty strong drug which can deplete nutrients in the body. I wanted to know if there was any other alternative to dapsone such as a cream which will reduce the rash especially on my face?

[kareng]

Looking at the U of C Celiac Center  site - it doesn't look like you will be taking the Dapsone for "long term".  Also, it isn't usually on the face - so that could be something different,

 

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Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an itchy, blistering skin condition that is a form of celiac disease. The rash usually occurs on the elbows, knees and/or buttocks, and is characterized by its bilateral nature; both knees (and/or both arms) are affected, seldom just one.

 

 

 

 

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Is there a treatment for dermatitis herpetiformis (DH)?

Open Original Shared Link (DH) is treated with a gluten-free diet and medication to control the rash, such as Dapsone or Sulfapyridine. Drug treatment is short term, usually until the gluten-free diet begins to relieve symptoms.

[JMac]

Ive just been diagnosed with celiac disease a few weeks ago and I have the dh rash on my face, elbows, buttocks and knees. I have been gluten free for these few weeks, and have been given dapsone to reduce the imflamation of the rash. I am taking 50mg per day and the dermatologists says this medication is for long term. However I have read dapsone is a pretty strong drug which can deplete nutrients in the body. I wanted to know if there was any other alternative to dapsone such as a cream which will reduce the rash especially on my face?

I had a bad case of DH, including on my face along my jawline.  I tried dapsone, which initially helped, but I ended up having a very bad reaction so I stopped taking it.  My gastro doctor in NY had me try Colcrys which is primarily a gout drug.  I would say that it was not quite as effective as dapsone, but definitely helped.  The key for me has been a strict gluten-free diet.  I also subscribe to the belief that iodine causes DH to flare up. I have been feeling well enough that I stopped taking Colcrys regularly but do occasionally take one if my skin is bothering me.  Good luck.

[ravenwoodglass]

My DH, which was severe, began to heal after I dropped gluten and started to limit iodized salt. Within a couple of weeks I stopped getting new lesions and new blisters would only appear if I got glutened.  It did take a bit of time for lesions to heal but not a real long time. If you are fearful of the toxicity of this drug you could try just being very strict with the diet and eliminate gluten ingredients from your topicals and use non-iodized salt for a while. You do need iodine so after the lesions are healed it can be added back in. 

[CTMK3121]

Ive just been diagnosed with celiac disease a few weeks ago and I have the dh rash on my face, elbows, buttocks and knees. I have been gluten free for these few weeks, and have been given dapsone to reduce the imflamation of the rash. I am taking 50mg per day and the dermatologists says this medication is for long term. However I have read dapsone is a pretty strong drug which can deplete nutrients in the body. I wanted to know if there was any other alternative to dapsone such as a cream which will reduce the rash especially on my face?

Ask your dermatologist for a steroid cream (use sparingly because it can thin the skin with excessive use) and lidocaine cream (2.5%).  Using aloe vera directly from the plant is something I have also found effective.