Forehead Blisters

[cindylou7]

This has happened several times in the last ten years or so, but my scalp starts this painful, burning, tingling pain. Then come the blisters! Ugly and right in plain sight. I always know its coming, but this is the first time I have been gluten free for a decent length of time, that they have made an appearance. I was wondering if I have this to look forward to even after trying to be faithfully gluten-free.

After my recent negative biopsies on my arm, I am hesitant to see the dermatologist for fear they will take another needless chunk of skin. Only to have another negative result and this time right on my face!

Any chance this might be a different autoimmune disease with similar symptoms? I know I respond to a gluten-free diet in regard to my GI symptoms but maybe there is another explanation.

[cindylou7]

Update. Dr says herpes simplex. This one is not related to DH or celiac that he can tell. So previous diagnosis of shingles may be close to accurate.

Go figure...

[squirmingitch]

Did the doc biopsy for herpes? I wouldn't trust it unless he did. And why would that make the shingles dx more close to accurate?

Those of us with dh can break out any time even though we are gluten free UNTIL all the antibodies get out of our skin. I'm experiencing that as we speak.

[ravenwoodglass]

Did the doc biopsy for herpes? I wouldn't trust it unless he did.

Have to agree with this. There is a reason DH is named dermatitis herpeformis. The lesions strongly resemble herpes lesions. Without testing your doctor wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

It can take some time for the antibodies to leave the skin. Limiting iodine is helpful for some of us. Also be sure that your shampoos, conditioners etc are all free of gluten ingredients if you haven't checked them already.