dermatitis herpetiformis

Question 1

presentation of dermatitis herpetiformis

Answer 1

intense itch and symmetrical blistering rash
vesicles or blisters develop on erythematous skin but often eroded or crusted
flat red patches, thickened plaques, wheals
lesions resolve to hypo/hyperpigmentation

Question 2

what is dermatitis herpetiformis

Answer 2

cutaneous manifestation of coeliac
inflammatory immunobullous disease
intolerance to gliadin fraction of gluten

Question 3

complications of dermatitis herpetiformis

Answer 3

aphthous ulcers
dry skin
thin enamel
ataxia, polyneuropathy, epilepsy
miscarriages
pericarditis
fatty liver
non hodgkins lymphoma

Question 4

investigations of dermatitis herpetiformis

Answer 4

skin biopsy
coeliac screen - FBC, LFT, calcium
iron, ferritin, zinc, folate, b12
tft - associated thyroid disease
anti tTG
total IgA
small intestine biopsy

Question 5

management of dermatitis herpetiformis

Answer 5

gluten free
dapsone
topical/ oral steroid