Herpetiform Dermatitis: Traces Of Skin Celiac Disease?
Dermatitis herpetiformis is an inflammatory and autoimmune skin disease. This pathology is characterized by the presence of itchy, chronic and recurrent skin lesions. We must be careful, because this pathology is considered a warning sign.
In fact, there are many gastroenterologists according to whom this disease constitutes a trace of celiac disease of the skin. In this article from We Are Mom, we offer you more details on herpetiform dermatitis, also known as Duhring’s disease.
Herpetiform dermatitis and gluten sensitivity
Duhring’s disease is considered an epidermal manifestation of some gluten intolerance or sensitivity. Of course, and as we can logically deduce, it is for this reason that it is associated with celiac people.
The fact that these rashes are present in 5% of the population with celiac disease is no less important. According to specialists, there is a close relationship between the two diseases, because they share the same genetic basis.
Symptoms of herpetiform dermatitis
According to data obtained from the various celiac associations around the world, 90% of celiacs affected by this skin disease do not have digestive symptoms following the ingestion of gluten. The only manifestation of this intolerance, in fact, is linked to skin rashes.
In general, patients with this type of dermatitis show the first symptoms around the age of 20. However, there have been reports of children suffering from these kinds of symptoms from an early age.
Another fact noted by the researchers is that this type of disease mainly affects men. For reasons that are still unknown, this manifestation is not as widespread among the female population, although a small number of cases have been recorded.
Appearance, diagnosis and treatment
Of the patients who were consulted, most report extremely troublesome skin disease. They cannot be blamed, because dermatitis herpetiformis can even cause wounds due to rubbing, and even severe itching.
This is due to the fact that Duhring’s disease is usually localized in the folds of the skin. Elbows and knees are the areas of the body most affected. One or more very different looking eruptions occur in these spots, which can be concentrated or spaced apart.
Of course, since we are talking about a skin disease, we are referring to nothing less than the presence of red spots on the skin and dryness of the skin itself. This disease can also be accompanied by blisters and severe itching.
Consequently, the diagnosis of this pathology necessarily involves performing a skin biopsy. Through this study, samples of the healthy epidermis are collected, in which the presence of anti-transglutaminase antibodies is analyzed.
After it has been established beyond any doubt that the patient has this condition, a simple treatment is indicated, which consists of following a gluten-free diet. As a result, the person will eliminate products that contain wheat, oats, barley and rye from their diet.
By following this strict diet to the letter, the blisters and rashes should subside and disappear. Additionally, doctors may prescribe concomitant application of a cream, topical treatment, or dressing to accelerate wound healing.
Herpetiform dermatitis: does it involve any complications?
Since it is an autoimmune disease, just like celiac disease, to which it is directly linked, this disease involves important complications. It is therefore necessary to take them into consideration, because these consequences are not visible to the naked eye and go beyond serious and severe skin damage.
This bad intestinal absorption of food nutrients caused by gluten, in fact, can cause further health problems. We are talking about much more serious ailments, which involve higher risks for the patient.
Intestinal cancer and lymphoma are examples of this. It is for this reason that not only a correct and timely diagnosis, but also an adequate gluten-free diet is absolutely necessary. It is possible that the skin lesions are almost imperceptible, or that there is no effect on digestion.
However, the consequences can be disastrous, to the point of leading to death if the celiac is not treated properly. Not surprisingly, celiac disease is also known as “the silent disease”.
