DH Symptoms - How do I test?

[susher]

I just stumbled on the description of Dermatitis herpetiformis and this describes the rash I get on my hands exactly to a T. I first got it when I was 21 and thought I was allergic to baby wipes. Since then, I get random breakouts during the course of the year. Reg doctors just told me it was a stress exzcema and gave me steroids. But it always comes back. I tried an elimination diet and noticed a difference when i cut out Gluten, but didn't see immediate outbreaks when i reintroduced it so i didn't think it was working. Now this a-ha moment.
So my question is....

Who do i go to truly get tested? A dermatologist, an allergist or a specialist? Help! I want to cut out gluten as soon as possible but want to get tested first. Thanks.

[ravenwoodglass]

Your regular GP can start the ball rolling by doing a Celiac panel and referring you to a dermatologist. Taking steroids will effect the results of testing for celiac so if you have taken then recently let the doctor know. Keep eating gluten until all testing is finished for celiac. Make sure the derm knows how to biopsy for DH. The sample needs to be taken from beside an active lesion not on the lesion itself.

[squirmingitch]

Those with dh test negative the celiac blood panel 60% of the time. IMO, the fastest way to get dx'd is to go straight to a derm who is well versed & has experience with dh & how to properly biopsy it. A dx of dh is a dx of celiac & no further testing is needed. As ravenwoodglass stated, you must continue to eat gluten until all testing is done.