Gluten is only toxic to celiac patients and patients with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) if ingested. Because gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin, the use of cosmetic and shampoos containing gluten has not been shown to be detrimental to patients with celiac disease or DH. However, we do recommend gluten-free lip products, hand lotions and… Read more »
(Updated .)Keyword: dermatitis herpetiformis
Can celiac disease cause watery blisters on the skin?
Blisters on the skin (part of the dermatitis herpetiformis version of celiac disease) are an inflammatory result due to a deposition of anti-tTG antibodies in the skin. In fact, recent studies have demonstrated that IgA antibodies against epidermal transglutaminase 3 play an important role in the pathogenesis of dermatitis herpetiformis. See Nakajima K. Recent advances… Read more »
(Updated .)Can someone with celiac disease also have pruritic urticarial papules and plaques (PUPPS) during pregnancy?
PUPPS can result from a person who has dermatitis herpetiformis with celiac disease.
(Updated .)Can someone with celiac disease, who didn’t initially have dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), develop it if he/she has continued gluten exposure?
If someone with celiac disease is actually ingesting gluten, he/she could theoretically develop dermatitis herpetiformis later in life.
(Updated .)I’ve had rash patches on my left forearm that itch and burn, but didn’t have the blisters. Could it be dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) even though I don’t have the blisters?
Only a skin biopsy can answer this question.
(Updated .)How quickly do symptoms arise in someone with dermatitis herpetiformis once gluten is ingested?
If gluten is ingested, symptoms in those with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) usually show up within a day or two, although sometimes within hours.
(Updated .)What’s the sequence of events when gluten is consumed for someone with dermatitis herpetiformis?
A person with dermatitis herpetiformis typically breaks out in blisters within hours, though sometimes within 24-48 hours, of ingesting gluten. The elbows, knees, buttocks, scalp and forehead are common areas where breakouts occur.
(Updated .)How is dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) diagnosed?
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 .)Can a skin rash be associated with celiac disease?
Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an itchy, blistering skin condition that is 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%… Read more »
(Updated .)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 »
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