Rash Has Appeared On My Right Elbow And Wrist

[eleep]

Hooray -- I never thought I'd be so excited about an itchy rash -- is it true that, if it's DH, I can get a celiac diagnosis by having it biopsied? How many days does it take for the rash to stick around? I'm a graduate student and have to go through the Infirmary at my university -- which may mean that I see a nurse practicioner who has to refer me to a dermatologist who's only around for a couple of days a week.

I have been very careful with my food, but I know that something glutened me this past weekend -- I've also had a couple of reactions to dairy -- the GI symptoms seem to only appear when it's a question of milk or soft cheeses. Hmmmmmm..

[Ursa Major]

Hi Erica, yes, if you are diagnosed with DH by a dermatologist, you automatically have a firm celiac disease diagnosis, as ONLY Celiac disease causes DH. And a gluten free diet is the only cure for the rash.

How long will the rash last? Who knows? Everybody is different. It could be there for weeks, months, or just a couple of days. No guarantie it's still there by the time you see a dermatologist. But if you get an appointment, keep it anyway, even if the rash goes away. Once you've seen a specialist, you don't need another referral to see him/her again and might be able to get in on short notice to get a biopsy done when you do have a rash.