A Couple Quick Questions

[BRUMI1968]

I have Celiac disease, but no DH. My stepdad has just been diagnosed with DH.

1. does this mean he has celiac, or can DH be separate from that?

2. is it like celiac in that a molecule of gluten can cause reaction?

Thanks, guys. I need to do some research on DH so that I can help him cope. He's probably not going to do the diet in any complete way, but I suppose getting him on the right track might help. Thanks.

[happygirl]

From Dr. Green's page: Open Original Shared Link

"What is dermatitis herpetiformis (DH)?

DH is an intensely itchy vesicular rash occurring anywhere on the body, especially on the extensor surfaces (knees and elbows) and the scalp. Patients tend to experience the rash in the same area, for example on their hands, in their scalp or on the buttocks. Virtually 100% of patients with DH have celiac disease, though the intestinal lesion is usually milder than most patients who have predominantly gastrointestinal complaints. The lesions of DH are very sensitive to even the ingestion of small amounts of gluten. Other dietary factors, for example iodine, may exacerbate the rash or prevent its healing. The rash is however dependant on the ingestion of gluten. While Dapsone will control the skin lesions of DH, a gluten-free diet allows Dapsone to be discontinued, healing of the intestine and reduction in the risk of the development of lymphoma that is increased in patients with DH."

and Open Original Shared Link

"What is dermatitis herpetiformis?

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is the skin manifestation of celiac disease. All patients with DH have celiac disease. It is an intensely itchy rash that usually occurs in the same place for each patient. This may be on the hands or fingers, forearms, buttocks or scalp or anywhere on the body. The rash typically consists of very itchy, small red dots that may develop into blisters or pimples. They are intensely itchy.

The diagnosis is clinical and can be confirmed by biopsy. The biopsy, for best results, needs to be taken from just adjacent to a lesion. The biopsy needs to have special immunofluorescence tests performed on it.

Treatment is first and foremost a gluten-free diet. This results in resolution of the lesions and will prevent new lesions. The diet also will prevent the development of lymphoma, that occurs at an increased rate as in patients with celiac disease. Drugs (Dapsone) may help patients recover from a severe episode, but are not a substitute for the diet. Patients with DH are very sensitive to small amounts of gluten."