Dermatitis herpetiformis is an extremely itchy rash made of bumps and blisters. The rash is chronic, which means it continues over a long period of time.

Duhring's disease

Dermatitis herpetiformis usually begins in people age 20 and older, although children may sometimes be affected. It is seen in both men and women.

The cause is unknown. However, dermatitis herpetiformis is frequently linked to gluten sensitivity (celiac sprue disease) in the small bowel.

Images

Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the arm and legs

Dermatitis, herpetiformis - close-up of lesion

Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the forearm

Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the knee

Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the hand

Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the thumb

Next Section

Dermatitis herpetiformis Symptoms

Review Date: 04/15/2009
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, MD, North Florida Dermatology Associates, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)