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Dermatitis herpetiformis - Treatment

Alternative Names

Duhring's disease

Treatment:

Dapsone, an antibiotic, may help most patients.

A strict gluten-free diet will also be recommended to help control the disease. Sticking to this diet may remove the need for medications and prevent later complications.

Expectations (prognosis):

The disease may be well controlled with treatment. Without treatment, there may be a significant risk of intestinal cancer.

Complications:

Thyroid disease may be found in many patients with dermatitis herpetiformis. Patients are also more likely to develop certain cancers of the intestines.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have a rash that continues despite home treatment.

Dermatitis, herpetiformis - close-up of lesion

Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the knee

Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the arm and legs

Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the thumb

Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the hand

Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the forearm

Reviewed last on: 4/15/2009
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.

References

Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004.

McPherson RA, Pincus MR. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2006.

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