What is bullous dermatitis herpetiformis?

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is one of the subepidermal autoimmune bullous diseases characterized by skin and intestinal lesions. Skin lesions include polymorphic eruption accompanied by severe pruritus. Intestinal lesions are characterized by atrophy of intestinal villi resulting from immunological process [1].

How do you describe dermatitis herpetiformis?

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a rare, chronic, autoimmune skin condition characterized by the presence of groups of severely itchy blisters and raised red skin lesions. These are most commonly located on the elbows, knees, buttocks, lower back and scalp.

Why is it called dermatitis herpetiformis?

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH, Duhring’s disease) bumps and blisters resemble herpes lesions, hence the name “herpetiformis,” but are NOT caused by the herpes virus. They are caused by gluten ingestion.

Is dermatitis herpetiformis hereditary?

In patients with dermatitis herpetiformis, 10-15% of their first-degree relatives have dermatitis herpetiformis or celiac disease. HLA studies have conclusively established the presence of a genetic predisposition for dermatitis herpetiformis.

Can children get dermatitis herpetiformis?

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an intensely itchy skin disease. It causes clusters of small blisters and bumps. The typical onset of symptoms starts at age 30 to 40 , but it can happen at any age. It’s rare in children.

Can you have dermatitis herpetiformis without celiac?

Dermatitis herpetiformis patients usually don’t have the digestive symptoms that go along with celiac disease. Almost all patients with dermatitis herpetiformis have celiac disease, though the disease is asymptomatic (they have no gastrointestinal symptoms).

Does everyone with dermatitis herpetiformis have celiac?

Almost all patients with dermatitis herpetiformis have celiac disease, though the disease is asymptomatic (they have no gastrointestinal symptoms). Dermatitis herpetiformis is sometimes called the skin manifestation of celiac disease.

Does dermatitis herpetiformis always mean celiac?

Can dermatitis herpetiformis come on suddenly?

Dermatitis herpetiformis develops suddenly, lasts for weeks to months, and may be associated with digestive diseases such as celiac disease. Dermatitis herpetiformis is a chronic inflammatory disease that produces lesions that burn and itch intensely.

What are bullous dermatoses?

Bullous dermatoses are a variety of autoimmune skin diseases that are characterized by the presence of bullae or blisters. Most of these diseases are associated with substantial morbidity, and a few may result in death.

What are the signs and symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis?

Dermatitis herpetiformis is intensely pruritic and chronic, characterized by papulovesicles and urticarial wheals on the extensor surfaces in a grouped or herpetiform, symmetric distribution.

What is the prevalence of dermatitis herpetiformis in patients with celiac disease?

Almost all patients with dermatitis herpetiformis have celiac disease histologically, but in most cases the celiac disease is asymptomatic. Dermatitis herpetiformis develops in 15 to 25% of patients with celiac disease.

Is linear IgA dermatosis related to dermatitis herpetiformis?

Linear IgA dermatosis is clinically similar to dermatitis herpetiformis, but it is not associated with gluten-sensitive enteropathy as is dermatitis herpetiformis. There is a wide variety of blistering diseases, some of which can be extremely debilitating and even fatal.