Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an autoimmune skin condition related to celiac disease. It causes a rash with small, fluid-filled blisters that appear after eating gluten. DH is sometimes called “celiac disease of the skin” or Duhring’s disease, named after the doctor who first described it. Common symptoms include:
- Severe itching
- Burning sensation on the skin
The rash usually appears on:
- Knees
- Elbows
- Scalp
- Back of the neck
- Buttocks
The rash often appears symmetrically, meaning it occurs on both sides of the body.
About 10% of people with celiac disease develop DH; it is less common in children.
Dermatologists can confirm DH by testing a small sample of skin (skin biopsy). Most people with DH also have inflammation in their small intestine, just like people with celiac disease. Treatment includes a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, and sometimes medications prescribed by the dermatologist.
Two key features help distinguish DH from other rashes:
- The rash lasts a long time (chronic).
- The itching and burning are often very intense.
