Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a severe itchy, blistering skin disease caused by gluten intolerance. DH is related to celiac disease since both are autoimmune disorders caused by gluten intolerance, but they are separate diseases.
Although people with DH do not usually have digestive symptoms, they often have the same intestinal damage as people with celiac disease.
The rash usually occurs on the elbows, knees, and buttocks.
DH is diagnosed through 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; conventional medication such as dapsone or sulfapyridine may be used to control the rash but may be required for several years.
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