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Dermatitis herpetiformis
Category: Illness or disabilities
Type
Involuntary
Introduction and description
Dermatitis herpetiformis also called Duhring-Brocq disease is Eczema caused by gluten intolerance. It is one of a host of symptoms that can be caused by gluten, in those who are intolerant.
The symptoms are identical to all eczema symptoms – an intensely itchy rash which can occur all over the body - on arms, thighs, knees, and back. It is directly related to celiac disease, and goes when the person is given a gluten free diet.
This said, it is essential that the person is tested, as Eczema has a large number of causes, and these additional causes need to be investigated before the assumption is made that the eczema is caused by gluten.
We conducted a retrospective chart review of the UofC Celiac Center clinic charts from January 2002 to October 2014. Demographics, serologic testing, intestinal biopsies, and extra-intestinal symptoms at presentation, 12, 24, and greater than 24 months were recorded. .. A total of 737 patients with biopsy confirmed CeD or skin biopsy confirmed DH were included. Extra-intestinal symptoms included:
- abnormal liver enzymes,
- arthralgia/arthritis,
- dermatitis herpetiformis (DH),
- alopecia,
- fatigue,
- headache,
- anemia,
- stomatitis,
- myalgias,
- psychiatric disorders,
- rashes,
- seizures,
- neuropathy,
- short stature,
- delayed puberty,
- osteoporosis and
- infertility.
Children and adults with CeD have similar rates of extra-intestinal manifestations. In children short stature, fatigue and headache were most common while anemia, fatigue and headache/psychiatric disorders were most common in adults. Children on a strict GFD showed faster and higher rates of symptom resolution as compared to adults. Unresponsive children with short stature must be assessed for comorbidities. PMID: 27755346
please see Eczema and also Food allergy, for more details.
References and further reading
J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2016 Oct 13. [Epub ahead of print] Extra-intestinal Manifestations of Celiac Disease: Effectiveness of the Gluten Free Diet. Jericho H1, Sansotta N, Guandalini S.