Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is a skin disorder strongly associated with gluten hypersensitivity. This skin disorder is auto immune in nature, attacking the skin like how inflammation takes place in an allergic episode. This condition is characterized by severe inflammation of the skin followed by blistering, excoriations and urticarial plaques. The typical places for these lesions are found in prominently bony areas such as the back, knees, elbows and buttocks.
This condition is often very pruritic or itchy and the lesions are often at risk to infection due to the chronic urge to scratch. In order tp make a proper diagnosis of this skin disorder, there would be various tests needed such as biopsies to rule out other diseases that cause skin excoriation and inflammation. While it is true that some people may not feel the symptoms, a large number of people are hypersensitive to gluten and its derivatives. Among this population, an estimated of 15-25 patients with celiac disease are likely to develop DH. The only intervention possible for this disorder would be a gluten free diet and the use of prescribed steroids to reduce the inflammation taking place.
DH is triggered by the chronic deposition of immune globulin A when a patient is constantly exposed to gluten. This then develops an immune response that attacks the skin, resulting in severe inflammation and vesicular lesions especially in places where bones are quite prominent.
There are many factors that affect a person’s vulnerability to gluten. Some may tolerate gluten and eat grains which are filled with this kind f protein while others may have a different kind of reaction when gluten is ingested. Some who are hypersensitive to this protein might even develop another kind of gluten hypersensitivity which targets the digestive system which is known as Celiac Disease. A study shows that large populations of those affected with Celiac Disease are also affected by DH. If left untreated, this chronic inflammation could eventually cause greater complications such as skin infections that could even prove lethal.
DH and Celiac Disease are likely to develop other kinds of conditions as well. Celiac Disease if left untreated could lead to various lymphomas which are likely to become cancerous. Lympho proliferative kind of cancers are also likely to develop among those who have developed DH.
The prevalence of this disease just like Celiac Disease is also idiopathic and nature. However, Several factors can contribute to the development of this condition. Some would include race, gender, and heredity. DH is likely to develop among Europeans who are more exposed to gluten because of their diet of wheat, barley and rye. On the other hand, Asians and Africans may or may not develop this condition. DH can affect more women that men because of their constant exposure to cosmetics with gluten derivatives.
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