Dermatitis herpetiformis or “chicken skin”?

[Breezy1]

I don’t know why this site won’t let me upload photos. I have bumps on the back of both arms, as well as my back both left and right side. They are red and sometimes more red than other times. I have noticed a few purplish or brownish spots too. It isn’t always itchy but does get itchy which causes it to get more irritated. It gets especially itchy after showering regardless of how cold/warm the water is. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

[cyclinglady]

It sounds more like KP (Keratosis Pilaris) or chicken skin instead of DH.  

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[squirmingitch]

It doesn't sound like dermatitis herpetiformis.

[Breezy1]

Okay thank you!

[knitty kitty]

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I found this article very helpful.  There are many skin, hair and nail changes that take place when your vitamin levels get low.  Remember, Celiac Disease causes malabsorption which results in malnutrition.  Sometimes healing Celiacs need some help from supplements because they aren't absorbing all the vitamins from foods well.  

When I get glutened, I get chicken skin and DH.  I've found increasing vitamins A and D helpful in clearing up my skin.  Various B vitamins help, too, as does omega 3 fats and vitamin C.  

Hope this helps.

[Breezy1]

2 hours ago, knitty kitty said:

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I found this article very helpful.  There are many skin, hair and nail changes that take place when your vitamin levels get low.  Remember, Celiac Disease causes malabsorption which results in malnutrition.  Sometimes healing Celiacs need some help from supplements because they aren't absorbing all the vitamins from foods well.  

When I get glutened, I get chicken skin and DH.  I've found increasing vitamins A and D helpful in clearing up my skin.  Various B vitamins help, too, as does omega 3 fats and vitamin C.  

Hope this helps.

Thank you!! I’ve been googling since I got home from work and what I have on the back of my arms looks like “chicken skin” I believe. I did come across something interesting though! I saw some pictures of DH on fingers/hands and it looked exactly like what I get now and then. Sometimes I break out with a few very small bumps on my fingers and they will be insanely itchy and painful. I don’t really know what triggers it but when it happens it usually doesn’t go away for weeks. But I don’t have it all the time... so I don’t know if it would be DH then? I’m very new to all this, I just had my blood work done today so I’m waiting on results. 

[knitty kitty]

12 hours ago, Breezy1 said:

Thank you!! I’ve been googling since I got home from work and what I have on the back of my arms looks like “chicken skin” I believe. I did come across something interesting though! I saw some pictures of DH on fingers/hands and it looked exactly like what I get now and then. Sometimes I break out with a few very small bumps on my fingers and they will be insanely itchy and painful. I don’t really know what triggers it but when it happens it usually doesn’t go away for weeks. But I don’t have it all the time... so I don’t know if it would be DH then? I’m very new to all this, I just had my blood work done today so I’m waiting on results. 

Stay on a diet containing gluten until all your tests are done.  Removing gluten will cause your body to stop making the antibodies against gluten.  The antibodies you make are what is being measured in those blood tests.  

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This page is very helpful.  Be sure to read her connecting pages on Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and sulfite intolerance.  

When you do go gluten free, try the low histamine diet.  I had great success with it.  

Hope this helps.