Dermatitis Herpetiformis
What is dermatitis herpetiformis?
Dermatitis herpetiformis is an intensely pruritic (itchy) skin disease characterized by eruptions of clusters of small blisters or vesicles (small elevations of the skin containing fluid) and small bumps or papules (small, solid, elevations on the skin). Dermatitis herpetiformis usually occurs in young adults. It affects twice as many men as it does women.
What triggers dermatitis herpetiformis?
Dermatitis herpetiformis is related to the presence of IgA deposits under the skin. These deposits occur in response to consuming glutens (proteins) in the diet, such as those found in wheat, barley, rye, and oat products. However, once IgA deposits occur, they are slowly cleared by the body even when the individual is gluten free. The disease is not common among African-Americans or Asians. Persons with dermatitis herpetiformis often have a high incidence of autoimmune disorders and thyroid disease.
What are the symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis?
The following are the most common symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- clusters of itchy, small blisters, mostly on the elbows, lower back, buttocks, knees, and back of the head
- itching and burning are often severe
Most individuals will also have some damage to their intestines.
The symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How is dermatitis herpetiformis diagnosed?
In addition to a medical history and physical examination, dermatitis herpetiformis is usually confirmed with a skin biopsy with immunofluorescence (a specialized type of stain which helps to detect the presence of IgA antibodies).
Treatment for dermatitis herpetiformis:
Specific treatment for dermatitis herpetiformis will be determined by your physician based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the condition
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, and therapies
- expectation for the course of the condition
- your opinion or preference
The symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis may clear when all gluten is eliminated from the diet, although healing may take several weeks to months. Treatment may also include drug therapy. Dapsone, a medication which can improve symptoms by suppressing the skin response, may be prescribed. However, dapsone has been associated with some side effects, especially anemia. Your physician will carefully monitor your blood count, if prescribed this medication.
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The Dermatology Programs and Services at Rush
Dermatology specialists at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago offer comprehensive care for common and rare skin, hair and nail diseases. Offering care for people of all ages, our dermatologists are leading authorities in skin care whose expertise draws patients from all over the Midwest. The dermatology team at Rush offers safe and innovative treatments based on years of experience as well as the latest scientific research.
Click here to visit our Department of Dermatology.
Services Provided
Comprehensive dermatology services for adults and children include:
- Innovative treatments for various dermatologic conditions
such as
- Acne
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
- Psoriasis
- Vitiligo
- State-of-the-art treatments for all forms of skin cancer include:
- The CTCL Clinic provides multidisciplinary care for people with a rare type of cancer called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Treatments include extracorporeal photophoresis, one of the most effective treatments for patients with this disease.
- The Melanoma Surveillance Clinic provides innovative intervention and treatment strategies for melanoma, including the use of photographic surveillance to track high-risk moles over time.
- Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) Clinic provides Mohs surgery, which has the highest cure rate of any procedure for skin cancer. During Mohs surgery, the surgeon uses a microscope to remove the very last traces of cancer cells.
- The Cosmetic Dermatology Program provides:
- Antiaging therapies, such as Botox and collagen injections.
- Chemical peels and microdermabrasion to make skin smoother and improve acne, wrinkles and skin discoloration.
- Advanced laser therapy to decrease excess hair growth and reduce lines and scars.
- Varicose vein treatments, including laser therapy and sclerotherapy, which involves the injection of special solutions into the veins to reduce their appearance.
In addition to the services above, the department tests the efficacy of new treatments for different skin diseases through its Clinical Pharmacology Unit. Clinical studies are complemented by a basic science laboratory, where investigators are conducting state-of-the-art research on mast cell biology and mastocytosis.
Finding a specialist at Rush:
To find a dermatologist at Rush click here.
Or make an appointment with a doctor at Rush by calling our toll-free physician referral number:
To reach the hospital operator, call (312) 942-5000. If you have difficulty hearing, call (312) 942-2207 (TTY/TTD).
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Dermatology
Dermatology
Dermatology
Dermatitis