Tuesday, 29 November 2011

Dermatitis Herpetiformis - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment





Dermatitis Herpetiformis - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a skin disorder often associated with celiac disease. (DH) is an intensely itchy skin eruption. Dermatitis herpetiformis usually begins in persons age 20 and older, although children may sometimes be affected. It is seen in both men and women. It usually shows up in young adults, and is more common in men and people originally from some areas of northern Europe. It has been hypothesized that DH is the result of an immunologic response to chronic stimulation of the gut mucosa by dietary gluten with subsequent activation of cutaneous endothelial cells and circulating inflammatory cells, including neutrophils. DH was formerly described in the literature as Duhring's Disease. Several chemicals have been associated with induction of DH, including potassium iodide and cleaning solutions. It has a typical onset in the teens or in the third or fourth decades of life. In the U.S., the presence of diagnosed cases is estimated to be about 1 in 10,000 with a male/female ratio of 2:1. It is more common in whites and rare in people of African or Asian descent. If you have DH, you always have gluten intolerance. With DH, the primary lesion is on the skin, whereas with celiac disease the lesions are in the small intestine.

Common Skin Conditions and Disorders




Common Skin Conditions and Disorders

Skin conditions come in many forms, all with their own unique treatment recommendations. Most frequently experienced include eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, folliculitis and, of course, breakouts. These diseases can leave you with a whole laundry list of symptoms, some more troublesome than others and can show up as an itchy condition, pigmentation disorders, extremely dry skin conditions, sores and other less than stunning appearances. Dealing with most skin conditions requires a trip to the dermatologist and, in some cases, advanced skincare.