Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an fiercely itchy skin eruption and associated with sensitivity of the intestine to gluten in the diet. It is a chronic, heavy itchy rash consisting of papules and vesicles. Dermatitis herpetiformis is an extremely itchy rash comprised of bumps and blisters.

Symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis is small lesions, discrete papules (bumps), and itchy, smooth lesions showing hives appear symmetrically on the head, elbows, knees, lower back, and buttocks. Fact that the rash is most prevailing at pressure points (where clothing rubs the most) may be why the symptoms sometimes appear to be symmetrical.

Dermatitis herpetiformis generally initiates in persons age 20 and older, although children may sometimes be affected. It is seen in both men and women. DH has currently been contemplated as a cutaneous manifestation of asymptomatic-to-mild CD. The genetic predislocation to the development of gluten sensitivity underlies the disease. A strict gluten-free diet will also be recommended to help manage the disease.

Persons with this condition may be able to prevent problems by avoiding foods that contain gluten. Dapsone, an antibiotic, may help the most of patients. Adherence to this diet may eliminate the requirement for medications and prevent later complications. A gluten-free diet may reduce the risk of gastrointestinal lymphoma.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may exacerbate DH; however, ibuprofen appears to be unscathed. Standard remedies are the use of dapsone or a diet that does not include gluten-containing grains. Systemic corticosteroid therapy should be exercised only during extreme exacerbations. Weak tar readiness and ultraviolet B light therapy are used to increase the thickness of the stratum corneum.

Cutting down on wheat and gluten may lessen the amount of medication required, but will not be curative. A gluten-free diet may reduce the risk of gastrointestinal lymphoma. Standard treatment quickly involves the use of dapsone to remove the rash. This brings symptomatic relief within 1 or 2 days. The urgent requirement is to scratch usually abates in 1 to 3 days.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis - Prevention and Treatment Tips

1. Sticking to this diet may remove the need for medications and prevent later complications.

2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may exacerbate DH (ibuprofen appears to be safe).

3. Standard therapies are the use of dapsone or a diet that does not include gluten-containing grains.

4. Dapsone, an antibiotic, may help the majority of patients.

5. A strict gluten-free diet will also be presecribed to help control the disease.

6. Sulfapyridine are the primary medications used to treat DH.

7. Weak tar preparations and ultraviolet B light therapy are used to increase the thickness of the stratum corneum.

8. Evading foods that contain gluten.