How Is Dermatitis Herpetiformis Diagnosed?
Dermatitis herpetiformis is often misdiagnosed. “Most practitioners will not recognize this rash as being dermatitis herpetiformis. It is usually not obvious and usually diagnosed after some time when the rash does not improve, or when a biopsy is performed,” says Desi. In most cases, the diagnosis is made when a dermatologist examines a small piece of skin near the rash under the microscope. The accumulation of special antibodies indicates the diagnosis of dermatitis herpetiformis. Dermatitis Herpetiformis: Can It Be Treated or Prevented? Just like celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis is a chronic condition. The good news is that eating a gluten-free diet can prevent or reverse the symptoms of celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis. It may take a few years for the antibody deposits in your skin to go away, however. “Patients can [also] be treated conservatively while on a gluten-free diet, as the response and relief is not immediate. These measures [include] topical anti-itch
