Chronic blistering skin condition. Manifestation of Celiac Disease. Unrelated to Herpes.Encyclopedia Entry for Dermatitis Herpetiformis :Dermatitis herpetiformis. DH usually begins in people age 20 and older. Children can sometimes be affected. It is seen in both men and women. The exact cause is unknown. It is an autoimmune disorder. There is a strong link between DH and celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the small intestine from eating gluten. People with DH also have a sensitivity to gluten, which causes the skin rash. About 25% of people with celiac disease also have DH.Symptoms include: Extremely itchy bumps or blisters, most often on the elbows, knees, back, and buttocks. Rashes that are usually the same size and shape on both sides. The rash can look like eczema. Scratch marks and skin erosions instead of blisters in some people. Most people with DH have damage to their intestines from eating gluten. But only some have intestinal symptoms.In most cases, a skin biopsy and direct immunofluorescence test of the skin are performed. The health care provider may also recommend a biopsy of the intestines. Blood tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.An antibiotic called dapsone is very effective. A strict gluten-free diet will also be recommended to help control the disease. Sticking to this diet may eliminate the need for medicines and prevent later complications. Drugs that supress the immune system may be used, but are less effective.The disease may be well-controlled with treatment. Without treatment, there may be a significant risk of intestinal cancer.Complications may include: Autoimmune thyroid disease Develop certain cancers, especially lymphomas of the intestines Side effects of the drugs used to treat DH.Call your provider if you have a rash that continues despite treatment.There is no known prevention of this disease. People with this condition may be able to prevent complications by avoiding foods that contain gluten.Duhring disease; DH.Dermatitis, herpetiformis - close-up of lesion Dermatitis, herpetiformis - close-up of lesion Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the knee Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the knee Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the arm and legs Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the arm and legs Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the thumb Dermatitis herpetiformis on the thumb Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the hand Dermatitis herpetiformis on the hand Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the forearm Dermatitis herpetiformis on the forearm.Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Duncan KO, Ko CJ. Dermatitis herpetiformis and linear IgA bullous dermatosis.