Dermatitis Herpetiformis, Traces Of Celiac Disease On The Skin?

Dermatitis Herpetiformis is an inflammatory and autoimmune skin condition. This pathology is characterized by the presence of pluritic, chronic and recurrent skin lesions. Now, this disease is considered a red flag.

Well, there are several gastroenterologists who consider that this outbreak constitutes a trace of celiac disease on the skin. In this You Are Mom article we give you more details about Dermetitis Herpetiformis, also known as Duhring’s Disease.

Herpetiformis dermatitis and gluten sensitivity

Duhring’s disease is considered an epidermal manifestation of a certain intolerance or sensitivity to gluten. Of course, and as it is logical to infer, it is for this reason that it is related to those people with celiac disease.

Well, it is not a minor fact that these skin eruptions are present in 5% of the population with celiac disease. For specialists, there is a close relationship between both conditions as they share the same genetic basis.

Symptoms of Herpetiformis Dermatitis

According to the data collected by the different celiac associations in the world, 90% of celiacs with this skin pathology do not present digestive symptoms after ingesting gluten. Well, the only manifestation of such intolerance is related to skin rashes.

In general, patients with this type of dermatitis experience the first symptoms in their 20s or so. However, there have been cases of children who already suffer from this type of symptoms at a very young age.

Another piece of information that researchers on the matter have arrived at is that this type of ailment mainly affects men. For reasons still unknown, this manifestation is not so common among the female public, although few cases have been registered.

Appearance, diagnosis and treatment

Among the patients consulted, the vast majority refer to an extremely bothersome disease of the epidermis. It is not for less because Herpetiform Dermatitis can cause rubbing wounds and even great itching.

This is because Duhring’s disease is usually located mainly in the folds of the skin. Elbows and knees are the areas of the body most affected. There, one or more eruptions of very diverse appearance are present, whether concentrated or spaced.

Of course, as we are talking about a skin disease, we are referring to neither more nor less than red spots on the skin and its dryness. It can even present with blisters and severe itching.

Thus, the diagnosis of this condition necessarily involves performing a skin biopsy. During this study an attempt is made to take samples of the healthy epidermis. In it, the presence of anti-transglutaminase antibodies is analyzed.

Once it has been reliably determined that the patient has this pathology, a simple treatment is indicated. This consists of carrying out a gluten-free diet. Consequently, the person will eliminate from their diet products that contain wheat, oats, barley and rye.

By adhering to this strict regimen to the letter, the blisters and rashes should subside and disappear. Even, the doctor may indicate in parallel some cream, topical or medication to accelerate the healing of the wounds.

Herpetiformis dermatitis, is it any kind of complication?

Being an autoimmune pathology, like celiac disease, and even being directly linked to it, this ailment involves significant complications. It is necessary to consider them since these sequelae are not visible to the naked eye and exceed serious and severe skin damage.

Well, this intestinal malabsorption of food nutrients caused by gluten can trigger other health disorders. We are talking about much more serious ailments that pose higher risks for the patient.

Intestinal cancer and lymphomas are one example of this. That is why it is imperative not only an early and timely diagnosis, but also an adequate diet without TACC. The lesions on the skin may be practically unnoticeable or there may be no digestive effects.

However, the consequences can be disastrous and even lead to the death of the poorly treated celiac. It is no accident that celiac disease is known as the silent disease.