Possible DH - undiagnosed, history included

[Mags88]

I saw a gastroenterologist for the first time yesterday, after being gluten free since November.  She said all of my symptoms (before November) were consistent with celiac.  She ordered the genetic blood test, and I’ll also have an endoscopy (in case there is still damage in small intestine and to rule out anything else going on) and a colonoscopy (dad passed away from colon cancer in 2015)) in a week and a half.  She explained and I am aware that I will probably not get an official diagnosis since I have been gluten free for months.  She said the only way to get an official diagnosis would be do to the gluten challenge, and she doesn’t suggest it because it would be bad for my health.  Anyway, this rash on my thigh has popped up and I’m wondering if it could possibly be DH.  I don’t want to go to dermatologist if it’s definitely not, thoughts?  I guess I should say even though I have been gluten-free since November, I have accidentally been glutened several times since then.  The most recent being about a week ago.  Thanks in advance for any input - this forum has been so helpful.

[Scott Adams]

 Of course I’m not a doctor, but it certainly looks consistent with dermatitis herpetaformis. If you have health insurance consider going in for a skin biopsy to find out for sure. DH can last for weeks after eating even tiny amounts of gluten, so be sure to stay on you gluten free diet if you suspect gluten is the cause.

[Posterboy]

11 hours ago, Mags88 said:

I saw a gastroenterologist for the first time yesterday, after being gluten free since November.  She said all of my symptoms (before November) were consistent with celiac.  She ordered the genetic blood test, and I’ll also have an endoscopy (in case there is still damage in small intestine and to rule out anything else going on) and a colonoscopy (dad passed away from colon cancer in 2015)) in a week and a half.  She explained and I am aware that I will probably not get an official diagnosis since I have been gluten free for months.  She said the only way to get an official diagnosis would be do to the gluten challenge, and she doesn’t suggest it because it would be bad for my health.  Anyway, this rash on my thigh has popped up and I’m wondering if it could possibly be DH.  I don’t want to go to dermatologist if it’s definitely not, thoughts?  I guess I should say even though I have been gluten-free since November, I have accidentally been glutened several times since then.  The most recent being about a week ago.  Thanks in advance for any input - this forum has been so helpful.

Mags88,

You can't diagnose DH from a picture.

But here is a couple links that might help you.

https://www.mdedge.com/ccjm/article/114635/dermatology/skin-findings-associated-nutritional-deficiencies

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3179000/

Look into Phrynoderma as  a possible differential diagnosis....DH is extremely itchy.

Phrynoderma, meaning toad skin, is a type of follicular keratosis .

But PhD is not usually itchy and the shot of your body part is telling for  toad skin.

It is common on joints/knees elbows.

It usually responds to Vitamin A supplements aka Beta Carotene or Cod Liver Oil etc. and a good B-Complex.

see there Table 2 about it preferred locations.

 

Many Celiac's get low in their fat soluble Vitamins.  I get seasonally low in my Vitamin D levels as an example.

I hope this is helpful but it is not medical advise.

Posterboy,