DH is diagnosed by a skin biopsy, which involves removing a tiny piece of skin near the rash and testing it for the IgA antibody. DH is treated with a gluten-free diet and medication to control the rash, such as Dapsone or Sulfapyridine. Drug treatment is short term, usually until the gluten-free diet begins to… Read more »
(Updated .)Keyword: dapsone
What is dermatitis herpetiformis (DH)?
Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an itchy, blistering skin condition that’s a form of celiac disease. The rash usually occurs on the elbows, knees and/or buttocks, and is characterized by its bilateral nature; both knees (and/or both arms) are affected, seldom just one. Many people with DH have no digestive symptoms and only about 40% of… Read more »
(Updated .)If I’m on a gluten-free diet, can I still have outbreaks from dermatitis herpetiformis (DH)?
Although a gluten-free diet is the treatment for DH, often the diet alone is not enough. Some DH patients require Dapsone or other medication to help treat it. If a skin biopsy is positive and a strict gluten-free diet isn’t helping, see a knowledgeable dermatologist to discuss additional methods of treatment.
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