Dh = Celiac?

[griffeth]

OK, so I recently was diagnosed w/DH. I had a biopsy that was analyzed by 2 different labs, so I think it's right. I also have tried to go gluten-free, so far with some success [i drank some PBR the other night and my skin paid the price]. My question is: Does having DH mean that you definatley have Celiac? Whenever I would have gluten, I never got sick like Celiacs report. It only affects my skin. Is this common?

[penguin]

Yes. DH is the skin manifestation of celiac, and often people who are otherwise asymptomatic digestively but have DH have significant villi damage.

[CarlaB]

Ditto what Chelsea said. If you've got DH, you've got celiac.

[jerseyangel]

Welcome to the family!

[Ursa Major]

Hi Griffeth, and welcome to this board! Yes, you definitely have celiac disease and NEED to be gluten-free. Unfortunately, it will likely take a while before your DH will be gone, it could be up to two years. But it is the only 'treatment' that is effective, and once the deposits under your skin will be completely gone, you shouldn't have any outbreaks any more (unless glutened, of course).

Actually, you will notice changes other than your skin clearing up. It is likely you've had celiac disease symptoms that you wouldn't connect to gluten, like brain fog, depression, muscle aches etc., that will suddenly improve on the gluten-free diet. You might be surprised!