Dermatitis Herp-a-what-is? More frequently known as DH. Dermatitis Herpetiformis unlike it's name has nothing to do with the Herpes virus and is not related or caused by the Herpes virus. The appearance of the blister-like rash is what gives it it's name. It is also known less commonly as Duhring's Disease. In 1884 Dr. Louis Duhring was the first to describe said condition. It was not until 1967 that DH was finally linked to Celiac Disease, yet all the mechanisms are not known. Some people with DH do not experience the GI symptoms with their Gluten Intolerance, while there are others, such as myself that do. The average onset for DH is 15-40 but it has been seen to emerge in those younger and older. It seen more frequently in males and those of European decent. DH is characterized by extremely itchy, chronic papulovesicular eruptions, usually distrubuted symetrically on exterior surfaces of the skin. They tend to erupt first on the buttocks, then on the joints (elbows, knees, knuckles), followed by the face, and then continue on. The blisters range in size from very small to 1cm in circumference. DH is usually controlled by maintaining a strict Gluten-Free diet. Some people, such as myself, further require medical management in the form of Dapsone. Dapsone is a strong antibacterial agent used to treat Leprosy. It is not know why it also works for DH. Blood levels are monitored closely while on this medication due to the fact long term it leads to H.
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