This skin disorder appears most commonly in individuals with gluten sensitivities such as Celiac Disease. Dermatitis Herpetiformis can also occur in individuals who do not suffer gluten sensitivity in some cases. Patients who suffer Dermatitis Herpetiformis experience severe itching and burning sensation and a rash which is usually followed by small fluid filled papules. These papules cluster and are whitish or pinkish in colour. The skin surrounding the papules is reddish and sore. Once these papules appear; the skin turns itchy and scratching may cause these papules to burst. This condition takes its own course to heal and normally fades away in a few weeks.
Dermatitis Herpetiformis can appear at various parts of the body and can reoccur if proper care is not taken. Dermatitis Herpetiformis is considered to spread when gluten in the intestinal tract binds with certain antibodies and stars to circulate in the bloodstream. When this reaches the surface of the skin; there is a reaction which causes this disorder. Dermatitis Herpetiformis is considered to be an autoimmune disease as it is caused due to the body attacking itself.
It is essential for one suffering from dermatitis herpetiformis to try and avoid food containing gluten. This may seem almost impossible and hence one should try to reduce the intake of what, barley and rye products. The primary medications which are used during dermatitis herpetiformis include dapsone and sulfapyridine. It is important for one to show rapid improvement with the dapsone therapy before one starts to use direct immunofluorescence as it helps to speedup the procedure and avoid life time drugs which can cause any harm to the body. Dapsone is available at most pharmacies and relatively safer than most medications. Patients who do not respond to dapsone can try haemolysis or sulfapyridine as a substitute. Even though the mechanism of dapsone is not clear; it is believed that it releases neutrophil which migrates to the infected area and decreases the inflammation.
One who suffers Dermatitis Herpetiformis should avoid wearing tight clothes and synthetic fabrics. It is advised to take short brief baths with lukewarm water. Adding baking soda to the water can help to reduce the itchiness and keep the skin cool. Using a scent free soap which is medicated is a good option as this can keep the skin germ free for a longer time. After a bath one should apply a bath oil or lotion which is scent free in order to keep the skin most and avoid dryness.