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Tell Me About Your Dh--where Is It? How Much Do You Have?

AudraB

By AudraB
in Dermatitis Herpetiformis

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AudraB Newbie
AudraB
Posted

I am really freaked out. I have the worst doctor in the world and am just beside myself with worry. I have a rash on my buttcheck. I have been wondering the last month or so about celiac. Terrible gas, bloating and alternating constipation/diarrhea. I have been trying to limit the wheat the last few weeks and the gas seems somewhat better. Then I develop this rash about a week ago on my buttcheek.

Went to the Dr today and told him all of this. Showed him my rash. He seems to think it is HSV II (herpes simplex II/otherwise known as genital herpes). My husband of 10 years does not have any rashes or has never had one. He swears he hasn't strayed. I did notice the rash about 3 days after going to the tanning bed. I have looked online at pictures of DH and HSVII on the buttock and they are quite similar.

In a nutshell, I really just want your opinions on your rashes. Are yours widespread or localized? Mine is 1 round spot the size of a quarter.

I insisted on a blood test from my MD for HSVII after my appointment and I had time to digest everyting mentally. I HAD TO TELL HIM THERE WAS A BLOOD TITER TO FIND OUT IF IT IS IN YOUR BLOOD! I work at a hospital and knew this why didn't he???

I am getting a new dr by the way. Any help you have would be appreciated.

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Michi8 Contributor
Michi8
Posted
I am really freaked out. I have the worst doctor in the world and am just beside myself with worry. I have a rash on my buttcheck. I have been wondering the last month or so about celiac. Terrible gas, bloating and alternating constipation/diarrhea. I have been trying to limit the wheat the last few weeks and the gas seems somewhat better. Then I develop this rash about a week ago on my buttcheek.

Went to the Dr today and told him all of this. Showed him my rash. He seems to think it is HSV II (herpes simplex II/otherwise known as genital herpes). My husband of 10 years does not have any rashes or has never had one. He swears he hasn't strayed. I did notice the rash about 3 days after going to the tanning bed. I have looked online at pictures of DH and HSVII on the buttock and they are quite similar.

In a nutshell, I really just want your opinions on your rashes. Are yours widespread or localized? Mine is 1 round spot the size of a quarter.

I insisted on a blood test from my MD for HSVII after my appointment and I had time to digest everyting mentally. I HAD TO TELL HIM THERE WAS A BLOOD TITER TO FIND OUT IF IT IS IN YOUR BLOOD! I work at a hospital and knew this why didn't he???

I am getting a new dr by the way. Any help you have would be appreciated.

Have you seen any pics of DH to compare? Check out this site about DH (has photo library): Open Original Shared Link DH can look like herpes, but is unrelated to it. Hope you're able to quickly sort out the source of your rash.

Michelle

AudraB Newbie
AudraB
Posted
  • Author
Have you seen any pics of DH to compare? Check out this site about DH (has photo library): Open Original Shared Link DH can look like herpes, but is unrelated to it. Hope you're able to quickly sort out the source of your rash.

Michelle

I have looked at both pictures pf DH and HSV II. They do look very similar which is why I am so perplexed. Hopefully my lab I had drawn today for the HSV II titer might give me something to go on until I get referred to a GI doc in 2 weeks. My MD wants me to go gluten free and take Zantac until my next appt with him...whatever. Thanks for your help!

sharikay Rookie
sharikay
Posted
I have looked at both pictures pf DH and HSV II. They do look very similar which is why I am so perplexed. Hopefully my lab I had drawn today for the HSV II titer might give me something to go on until I get referred to a GI doc in 2 weeks. My MD wants me to go gluten free and take Zantac until my next appt with him...whatever. Thanks for your help!

If you suspect DH, it's probably best to see a dermatologist. He can diagnose for sure. Better to know than not know. I had it on my elbows and forearms first, then it appeared on my knees, buttocks and pelvis. Is it very itchy, especially at night time? If so, it's very probable. Good luck.

brizzo Contributor
brizzo
Posted

Audra....take a deep breath...just a few points...

HSVII can lay dormant for many years before an outbreak.... so you or your husband could have had it prior to meeting each other....it also goes undiagnosed in most people ... 1 out of every 4 people in the US have it. And yes, you can catch it from a tanning bed that wasn't cleaned. Most people will have an initial HSVII outbreak and not have another for years....some never have a second...it's not the end of the world.....(take a deep breath and have a drink.) HSVII is as common of a virus as the day is long.

As far as your labs go. Make sure that you ACTUALLY PHYSICALLY GET A COPY OF THE LAB AND READ IT FOR YOURSELF. Here's why... Alot of times Labs might send something back that says....this person shows viral strains that CLOSELY RESEMBLE HSVII. Then your doctor comes into the exam room and says....sorry ma'am , you have herpies... Then he puts you on a scrip for valtrex....... This does NOT mean that you have Herpies! Make sure that you read the lab report yourself, and don't take meds that you don't need to. And don't go accusing your husband of cheating. HSV!! is VERY comman and can be caught ANYWHERE, and can lie dormant for years....it's not worth ruining your marriage..

As far as the DH goes.... You usually need to be on a gluten free diet for at least 3 months to see results. But some people are instant. One of the board administrators was symptom free almost instantly. But that is not the norm... Good luck, B.

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