Dermatitis Herpetiformis is a rare skin blistering disease that I occasionally encounter in both my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology offices. Clinically, Dermatitis Herpetiformis presents as very fragile vesicles (blisters) that quickly rupture leaving erosions and ulcers as this condition has intense itching. The most common anatomic areas affected are the frontal scalp, elbows, neck, and buttocks. Occasionally, there are no vesicles but only the induration that is seen in hives. Gluten is one of the main culprits that causes flare ups of Dermatitis Herpetiformis. Many patients with this skin disease may also have thyroid problems and celiac disease. Treatment of Dermatitis Herpetiformis involves avoidance of gluten and the admnistration of dapsone and/or sulfapyridine.
