Weird Reaction At Biopsy Location

[cindylou7]

My biopsy was taken onTuesday from a site that did not have any active blisters (I don't typically get a "rash"). It was taken from a scarred area where I have recurrent blisters. The thing that is strange is that the itching at the site of biopsy and all around it has created an outbreak. The biopsied area is actually oozing like my DH blisters do and I have developed new blisters.

Anyone have a similar response to a biopsy or injury to the skin creating an outbreak?

[squirmingitch]

Yes, Cindy, this is rather common with dh. People report that if they get a cut or scrape or burn or any damage to the skin they often get a dh outbreak there. We don't know why & I have never seen it documented in any medical literature on dh but it's been reported enough on this site by enough dh'ers that we know it's true & quite apparently common.

I'm sorry this is happening to you. But now, you have some active lesions for the new derm to biopsy. But then again --- you'll probably get an outbreak at the new biopsy site. Sigh.

[cindylou7]

Thanks again Squirming! I keep thinking maybe I'm wrong this isn't DH but something else entirely. And then, I post and realize all my symptoms still match. The skin is hot and red and itches like!&?@(! It seems simple and yet it is so complex!

You'd think that the skin sample would surely find antibodies but I know that the odds are not in my favor! Crazy!!!

[pricklypear1971]

In all fairness, there are a lot of chronic skin rashes that flare at an injury site.

And yes, DH is one of them.

Sorry you got a flare, that sucks. Hopefully something interesting comes out of the biopsy. Sometimes a finding of iga is a big help, even if it isn't in a DH pattern.

[jlaw]

Yep, this is totally me too. I have 3 seperate biopsy sites in close proximity, and now they blend in nicely with my sturdier blisters! My theory is that as the blood supply is increased to facilitate the healing process, so therefore are the Iga deposits increased. (Although as pricklypear says, it could be a number of things.) Let us know how you go with the results...

[squirmingitch]

Yep, this is totally me too. I have 3 seperate biopsy sites in close proximity, and now they blend in nicely with my sturdier blisters! My theory is that as the blood supply is increased to facilitate the healing process, so therefore are the Iga deposits increased. (Although as pricklypear says, it could be a number of things.) Let us know how you go with the results...

That sounds like a pretty plausible theory.

[TexasLady54]

I just had my biopsy yesterday and I'm having quite the flare as well.

[cindylou7]

I just had my biopsy yesterday and I'm having quite the flare as well.

Sorry about that! It is aggravating, literally! Unfortunately, my result came back negative for DH but the biopsy was taken from a site on top of a recently active lesion. I hope your Doctor was knowledgable enough to take the biopsy from the right location.

I'm trying to decide if I want to continue to look for a positive diagnosis or just be happy with my self diagnosis. I know I feel better gluten-free so I will continue to follow the diet.

Good luck to you!

[squirmingitch]

Welcome to the forum TexasLady!

So sorry you're having to go through this flare. It sucks. Like Cindy says --- I hope your biopsy was done correctly. You were still eating gluten right?