Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Can Dh Be Mistaken For Hives?

Mac55

By Mac55
in Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Recommended Posts

Mac55 Apprentice
Mac55
Posted

I found out I have Celiac about a month ago. In my research I read a bit about DH. I don't have it but my friend's daughter has unexplained hives. My friend is currently looking into the whole Celiac/Gluten Sensitivity thing as herself and many members of her family fit the bill in one way or another. Her daughter is almost 4 and is in remission from Leukemia. At first they thought the "rash" was Graft Vs. Host Disease (GVH). Anyway, she went to derm and was told they didn't need to biopsy as it was just hives. Can a dermatologist not get it right and think it's hives when it's DH? Has this happened to anyone here? Would they be able to look and tell without a doubt? I'm just concerned they're missing something. Thanks!

Megan

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


lovegrov Collaborator
lovegrov
Posted

In my experience the two are VERY different looking.

richard

missy'smom Collaborator
missy'smom
Posted

It seems that the first thing they should do is have the child tested for allergies.

Yup Apprentice
Yup
Posted

It seems that the first thing they should do is have the child tested for allergies.

If she were my daughter I would have her tested for Hashimotos Thyroidism.

Mac55 Apprentice
Mac55
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for your replies. As I don't have DH I really don't know much about it. So it doesn't resemble hives?

I'm hoping they do get her tested for allergies. I know she has something up, just like I knew with my son. He definitely has a few allergies/sensitivities.

Miila's Mom, why would do suspect Thyroid? Does Hashimotos come with a rash or hives?

This friend is actually my best friend in the world. She's gone through so much with her daughter's Leukemia and her mom has cancer that keeps coming back. She also REALLY doesn't feel good and is stressed and moderately depressed. I try to do some leg-work for her when I can, as I know it just overwhelms her sometimes. I love researching and getting to the bottom of things. Thanks for the input!

kprince Apprentice
kprince
Posted

I actually was just going to ask the same question if DH can look like hives? After I work out in the morning and/or if I do not get eough fluids, I tend to break out in rashed anywhere I put pressure ( so if I am sitting, it will be on teh back of my thighs etc.) It is VERY itchy and when I scratch them, they tend to turn into welts...but never blisters and they go away on their own after about 1 hour. I have been gluten-free for 1 year. Do I have DH?

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

I actually was just going to ask the same question if DH can look like hives? After I work out in the morning and/or if I do not get eough fluids, I tend to break out in rashed anywhere I put pressure ( so if I am sitting, it will be on teh back of my thighs etc.) It is VERY itchy and when I scratch them, they tend to turn into welts...but never blisters and they go away on their own after about 1 hour. I have been gluten-free for 1 year. Do I have DH?

This sounds like pressure urticaria or hives caused by pressure. Many who have this will also show signs of dermatographia, where if you lightly run a fingernail across your skin it will leave a red mark for quite a while. You might want to consult an allergist. Some will advise an antihistimine. Tell your doctor and ask them about it next time you see them.

DH usually presents as tiny fluid filled blisters that itch horribly and the scars they leave are a distinctive purpleish color and remain for a very long time. They are caused directly by consuming gluten for some of us even in very small amounts.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


kprince Apprentice
kprince
Posted

This sounds like pressure urticaria or hives caused by pressure. Many who have this will also show signs of dermatographia, where if you lightly run a fingernail across your skin it will leave a red mark for quite a while. You might want to consult an allergist. Some will advise an antihistimine. Tell your doctor and ask them about it next time you see them.

DH usually presents as tiny fluid filled blisters that itch horribly and the scars they leave are a distinctive purpleish color and remain for a very long time. They are caused directly by consuming gluten for some of us even in very small amounts.

HOLY COW!!! So I just did some research and I want to pull out some quotes that literally STOPPED me in my tracks

The cause of chronic urticaria is often hard to pinpoint. Although the cause is currently unknown, it is thought to be related to a person's own immune system triggering the reaction.

"Some types of chronic urticaria worsen with increased blood flow as a result of heat, exertion, emotional stress, alcoholic drinks, fever or hyperthyroidism." My rashes almost always apprear after working out.

"Some people get pressure urticaria on certain parts of the body as a result of the work they do." I do the recumbant bike for 45 minutes at the end of my workout and this is where the hives are (around my bottom)

"People with cholinergic urticaria get hives with heat, exercise or emotional stress. Small welts appear within a larger area of redness, often on the neck or upper chest." I almost never get it on my chest, but everything else was true.

I actually made an appointment with an allergist for next Thursday. Is tehre any sort of test I should have them do or any questions I should ask. I used to get so mad with my pediatrition when I would bring my son in with a cronic running nose and they were like,"Oh, it must be allergies." I always thought that was what they say when they do not know.

From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU!!!! for hopefully stearing me in the right direction-

Kathy

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

HOLY COW!!! So I just did some research and I want to pull out some quotes that literally STOPPED me in my tracks

The cause of chronic urticaria is often hard to pinpoint. Although the cause is currently unknown, it is thought to be related to a person's own immune system triggering the reaction.

"Some types of chronic urticaria worsen with increased blood flow as a result of heat, exertion, emotional stress, alcoholic drinks, fever or hyperthyroidism." My rashes almost always apprear after working out.

"Some people get pressure urticaria on certain parts of the body as a result of the work they do." I do the recumbant bike for 45 minutes at the end of my workout and this is where the hives are (around my bottom)

"People with cholinergic urticaria get hives with heat, exercise or emotional stress. Small welts appear within a larger area of redness, often on the neck or upper chest." I almost never get it on my chest, but everything else was true.

I actually made an appointment with an allergist for next Thursday. Is tehre any sort of test I should have them do or any questions I should ask. I used to get so mad with my pediatrition when I would bring my son in with a cronic running nose and they were like,"Oh, it must be allergies." I always thought that was what they say when they do not know.

From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU!!!! for hopefully stearing me in the right direction-

Kathy

I should have mentioned that prediagnosis I had this form of hives along with DH. I don't know which drove me nuts more. Both have gone away gluten free. So although they are different they could be coming from the same root cause.

Hopeful1950 Explorer
Hopeful1950
Posted

I'd like to respond to the question about whether a dermatologist can "not get it right". You bet. In my experience of what appears to be a DH rash I have been told it was "stress eczema", that I was a "picker", and most recently I have given a medicine for bi-polar disorder! I consulted a psychiatrist at that point and he sent me to an allergist who is really looking at everything. The first doctor to do so in 6 years.

Encourage your friend's mom to get to a physician (maybe an experienced allergist) who will not give up until they have actually tested for the all the things that could be causing the child the problem. The allergist I am working ran tests for celiac, thyroid, allergies and a host of other things that might not be related to allergies at all so he can steer me in the right direction if he is unable to help. Skin testing is next.

Oh...and just a note, I work for 22 physicians and trust me their skill and patient care varies widely. Search and search until you find one who will take the time.

Ahorsesoul Enthusiast
Ahorsesoul
Posted

All my life I've had unexplained hives. Haven't had any since going gluten free.

kprince Apprentice
kprince
Posted

I'd like to respond to the question about whether a dermatologist can "not get it right". You bet. In my experience of what appears to be a DH rash I have been told it was "stress eczema", that I was a "picker", and most recently I have given a medicine for bi-polar disorder! I consulted a psychiatrist at that point and he sent me to an allergist who is really looking at everything. The first doctor to do so in 6 years.

Encourage your friend's mom to get to a physician (maybe an experienced allergist) who will not give up until they have actually tested for the all the things that could be causing the child the problem. The allergist I am working ran tests for celiac, thyroid, allergies and a host of other things that might not be related to allergies at all so he can steer me in the right direction if he is unable to help. Skin testing is next.

Oh...and just a note, I work for 22 physicians and trust me their skill and patient care varies widely. Search and search until you find one who will take the time.

This is so strange...I too have always ;labled myself a "picker" and recently I was told that I might be suffering from bi-polar II. They want to put me on an anti-seizure medication...do you mind letting me know the medication you are on?

  • 3 years later...
GretaJane Newbie
GretaJane
Posted

Yes, rarely, DH can present as chronic hives!!! Open Original Shared Link

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

Yes, rarely, DH can present as chronic hives!!! Open Original Shared Link

Just an FYI, you are responding to a post from almost 4 years ago. I'm sure we have had a more recent discussion about DH and how it presents?

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,543
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    yfuvhg
    Newest Member
    yfuvhg
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Beverage
      Diagnosed celiac for 1-2 months ago and everything makes me bloated.

      By Beverage · Posted

      I had a very rough month after diagnosis. No exaggeration, lost so much inflammatory weight, I looked like a bag of bones, underneath i had been literally starving to death. I did start feeling noticeably better after a month of very strict control of my kitchen and home. What are you eating for breakfast and lunch? I ignored my doc and ate oats, yes they were gluten free, but some brands are at the higher end of gluten free. Lots of celics can eat Bob's Red Mill gluten-free oats, but not me. I can now eat them, but they have to be grown and processed according to the "purity protocol" methods. I mail order them, Montana Gluten-Free brand. A food and symptoms and activities log can be helpful in tracking down issues. You might be totally aware, but I have to mention about the risk of airborne gluten. As the doc that diagnosed me warned . . Remember eyes, ears, nose, and mouth all lead to your stomach and intestines.  Are you getting any cross contamination? Airborne gluten? Any pets eating gluten (they eat it, lick themselves, you pet them...)? Any house remodeling? We live in an older home, always fixing something. I've gotten glutened from the dust from cutting into plaster walls, possibly also plywood (glues). The suggestions by many here on vitamin supplements also really helped me. I had some lingering allergies and asthma, which are now 99% gone. I was taking Albuterol inhaler every hour just to breathe, but thiamine in form of benfotiamine kicked that down to 1-2 times a day within a few days of starting it. Also, since cutting out inflammatory seed oils (canola, sunflower, grapeseed, etc) and cooking with real olive oil, avocado oil, ghee, and coconut oil, I have noticed even greater improvement overall and haven't used the inhaler in months! It takes time to weed out everything in your life that contains gluten, and it takes awhile to heal and rebuild your health. At first it's mentally exhausting, overwhelming, even obsessive, but it gets better and second nature.
    • Jsingh
      Protein or fat?

      By Jsingh · Posted

      Hi,  I care for my seven year old daughter with Celiac. After watching her for months, I have figured out that she has problem with two kinds of fats- animal fat and cooking oils. It basically makes her intestine sore enough that she feels spasms when she is upset. It only happens on days when she has eaten more fat than her usual every day diet. (Her usual diet has chia seeds, flaxseeds, and avocado/ pumpkin seeds for fat and an occasional chicken breast.) I stopped using cooking oils last year, and when I reintroduced eggs and dairy, both of which I had held off for a few months thinking it was an issue of the protein like some Celiac patients habe mentioned to be the case, she has reacted in the same fashion as she does with excess fats. So now I wonder if her reaction to dairy and eggs is not really because of protein but fat.   I don't really have a question, just wondering if anyone finds this familiar and if it gets better with time.  Thank you. 
    • Chanda Richard
      High Cost of Gluten-Free Foods

      By Chanda Richard · Posted

      Hello, My name is Chanda and you are not the only one that gose through the same things. I have found that what's easiest for me is finding a few meals each week that last. I have such severe reactions to gluten that it shuts my entire body down. I struggle everyday with i can't eat enough it feels like, when I eat more I lose more weight. Make sure that you look at medication, vitamins and shampoo and conditioner also. They have different things that are less expensive at Walmart. 
    • petitojou
      Frequent nausea after gluten-free diet

      By petitojou · Posted

      Thank you so much! I saw some tips around the forum to make a food diary and now that I know that the community also struggles with corn, egg and soy, the puzzle pieces came together! Just yesterday I tried eating eggs and yes, he’s guilty and charged. Those there are my 3 combo nausea troublemakers. I’m going to adjust my diet ☺️ Also thank you for the information about MCAS! I’m from South America and little it’s talked about it in here. It’s honestly such a game changer now for treatment and recovery. I know I’m free from SIBO and Candida since I’ve been tested for it, but I’m still going to make a endoscopy to test for H. Pylori and Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Thank you again!! Have a blessed weekend 🤍
    • knitty kitty
      Unusual bright yellow but odourless discharge

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Yes, I, too, have osteoporosis from years of malabsorption, too.  Thiamine and magnesium are what keep the calcium in place in the bones.  If one is low in magnesium, boron, selenium, zinc, copper, and other trace minerals, ones bone heath can suffer.  We need more than just calcium and Vitamin D for strong bones.  Riboflavin B 2, Folate B 9 and Pyridoxine B 6 also contribute to bone formation and strength.   Have you had your thyroid checked?  The thyroid is important to bone health as well.  The thyroid uses lots of thiamine, so a poorly functioning thyroid will affect bone heath.  
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.