Dermatitis herpetiformis

Question 1

Dermatitis herpetiformis

Answer 1

• autoimmune blistering skin disorder
• associated with coeliac disease

Question 2

Features of dermatitis herpetiformis

Answer 2

• itchy
• vesicular
• extensor surfaces (e.g. elbows, knees, buttocks)

Question 3

Diagnosing dermatitis herpetiformis

Answer 3

skin biopsy - direct immunofluorescence shows deposition of IgA in granular pattern in upper dermis

Question 4

Management of dermatitis herpetiformis

Answer 4

• gluten-free diet
• dapsone (sulphonamide ab)