About duhring disease

What is duhring disease?

Dermatitis herpetiformis, also known as Duhring disease, is a rare, chronic, skin disorder characterized by the presence of groups of severely itchy (pruritic) blisters and raised skin lesions (papules). These are more common on the knees, elbows, buttocks and shoulder blades. The exact cause of this disease is not known although it is frequently associated with the inability to digest gluten (gluten sensitive enteropathy [GSE] or celiac sprue).

What are the symptoms for duhring disease?

Clusters of itchy symptom was found in the duhring disease condition

DH is one of the itchiest rashes possible. Common locations of the Rash include:

  • elbows
  • knees
  • lower back
  • hairline
  • back of the neck
  • shoulders
  • buttocks
  • scalp

The Rash is usually the same size and shape on both sides of the body and often comes and goes.

Before a full outbreak of the rash, you may feel the skin in a rash-prone area burn or itch. Bumps that look like Pimples filled with clear liquid start to form. These are quickly scratched off. The Bumps heal within a few days and leave a purple mark that lasts for weeks. But new Bumps continue to form as old ones heal. This process can continue for years, or it can go into remission and then return.

While these symptoms are commonly associated with dermatitis herpetiformis, they can also be caused by other skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, irritant or allergic contact dermatitispsoriasispemphigoid, or scabies.

What are the causes for duhring disease?

From the sound of the name, many people think this rash is caused by some form of the herpes virus. This isn’t the case, as it has nothing to do with herpes. Dermatitis herpetiformis occurs in people with celiac disease. Celiac disease (also called celiac sprue, gluten intolerance, or gluten-sensitive enteropathy) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by intolerance to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It’s also sometimes found in oats that have been processed in plants that handle other grains.

15 to 25 percent of people with celiac disease have DH. Celiac disease can also cause intense abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. People with DH typically don’t have any of the intestinal symptoms. However, even if they don’t experience any intestinal symptoms, 80 percent or more of people with DH still have intestinal damage, especially if they eat a diet that’s high in gluten, according to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA).

The intestinal damage and rash are due to the reaction of gluten proteins with a special kind of antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA). Your body makes IgA antibodies to attack gluten proteins. When IgA antibodies attack gluten, they damage the parts of the intestines that allow you to absorb vitamins and nutrients. This sensitivity to gluten usually runs in families.

The structures formed when IgA attaches to gluten then enter the bloodstream, where they begin to clog small blood vessels, especially those in the skin. White blood cells are attracted to these clogs. The white blood cells release a chemical called “complement” that causes an itchy, blistery rash.

What are the treatments for duhring disease?

DH can be treated with an antibiotic called dapsone. Dapsone is a powerful medicine with serious side effects. The dose must be increased slowly over several months before it’s fully effective.

Most people see relief from taking dapsone, but side effects may include:

Dapsone may also have negative interactions with other medications, such as aminobenzoate potassium, clofazimine, or trimethoprim.

Other drugs that may be used include tetracycline, sulfapyridine, and some immunosuppressive drugs. These are less effective than dapsone.

The most effective treatment that’s free of side effects is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. This means you should completely avoid food, drink, or medicines containing the following:

  • wheat
  • rye
  • barley
  • oats

Although this diet can be difficult to follow, it will have the most beneficial effect on your health if you have celiac disease. Any reduction in gluten intake may help lessen the amount of medication you will need to take.

What are the risk factors for duhring disease?

Celiac disease can affect anyone, but it tends to be more common in people who have another family member with celiac disease or DH.

Although more women than men are diagnosed with celiac disease, men are more likely to develop DH than women. The rash usually begins in your 20s or 30s, though it can start in childhood. The condition more commonly occurs in people of European descent. It less commonly affects people of African or Asian descent.

Is there a cure/medications for duhring disease?

Treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) also known as duhring disease includes avoidance of gluten by consuming a gluten-free diet and medications.

  • The first line of treatment includes a strict gluten-free diet is the most effective treatment option. You can get suggestions from a registered dietician to eliminate both obvious and hidden sources of dietary gluten and recommend short- and long-term alternatives.
  • DH is considered to be the particular cutaneous manifestation of celiac disease (CD), and the best way to treat the condition is with a lifelong gluten-free diet.
  • However, numerous medications, such as dapsone, sulfones, or steroids, can be used for varying lengths of time in the first month following the diagnosis or during the inflammatory phases of the disease, when a gluten-free diet alone would not be sufficient to control the symptoms.
  • People who cannot tolerate dapsone treatment, can instead take other forms of medication that contain substances called sulfapyridine or sulfamethoxypyridazine.
  • Patients with DH may be treated with additional medications to manage their skin complaints. Among these, powerful topical steroids like betamethasone valerate or dipropionate or very powerful ones like clobetasol propionate are beneficial in cases of limited disease to lessen itching and the emergence of new lesions.
  • Systemic steroids or antihistamines can thus at least partially suppress itching and burning sensations; however, their efficacy is regarded as being rather low.


Symptoms
Clusters of itchy,Small blisters and bumps, mostly on the elbows, lower back, buttocks, and back of the head
Conditions
Long-term (chronic) skin condition with blisters
Drugs
Dapsone (diaminodiphenyl sulfone),Sulfapyridine

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