Dermatitis Herpetiformis, or DH is characterized by blisters like patches on the skin that are intensely itchy and are primarily located in knees, buttocks, and elbows. There is severe itching, in addition to stinging and burning sensation. Another similar condition is statis dermatitis, which is also a skin disease occurring in the patients with chronic venous insufficiency
The diagnosis of mild dermatitis herpetiformis can be done by a simple skin test. A small patch of skin from the unaffected area is taken, and it is examined for immunoglobulin A. It is found at the specific site on the skin. The diagnosis of mild dermatitis herpetiformis can also be confirmed with the help of small intestinal biopsy and blood test. These tests look for tissue transglutaminase antibodies and anti-endomysial antibodies.
Most commonly used drugs for mild dermatitis herpetiformis are sulphapyridine, dapsone and sulphamethoxypyridazine. These drugs effectively control the rashes caused by DH, but the rashes reappear soon after use of the drugs is discontinued. However, if taken in long run, these medications can have serious side effects.
For treating mild dermatitis herpetiformis, it is important to switch to gluten free diet. It is very important to stick to this diet so that the use of drugs can be gradually reduced. DH is not an autoimmune disease, but patients suffering from pernicious anemia, thyroid disease and diabetes are more likely to suffer from mild dermatitis herpetiformis.
People suffering from mild dermatitis herpetiformis have mild malabsorption associated with inflammation of stomach lining and low stomach acid. This can lead to anemia, and deficiency of folic acid, iron, zinc and vitamin B12. Para-aminobenzoic acid is helpful to reduce or eliminate the lesion of mild dermatitis herpetiformis.
Use of nutritional produce and pharmaceuticals is important for self care for patients of mild dermatitis herpetiformis. Some patients may also need to make use of non-alllergenic products such as shampoos, soaps, hand lotions, face powder, laundry detergents, mouth wash, toothpaste, and so on. Milk free diet can also help improve the symptoms of mild dermatitis herpetiformis. For most of the patients, the combination of gluten-free diet, medications and milk-free diet provided significant relief from mild DH symptoms in the long run.
If suffering from mild dermatitis herpetiformis, get extra antioxidants, and take daily supplement of 10 IU of Vitamin E, and 200 mcg of selenium. Consult your healthcare provider at regular intervals for the blood tests to make sure that you are not developing any nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption due to DH.
Adult atopic dermatitis is a result of exposure to allergens which trigger a rash of reactions in the skin. This form of eczema can be found in adults and children but the forms of treatment may differ due to the more sensitive skin of babies and children. The symptoms of both children and adult atopic dermatitis are alike.
Adult atopic dermatitis often has symptoms of blistering or flaking skin, dry cracking skin, red pustules or bumps, itchy skin and often these can be found at the skin folds. There are severe cases of this common form of eczema and there are also some variations which focus on certain individuals such as perioral dermatitis, which usually occur sin women and just around the mouth area.
Adult atopic dermatitis may not be as severe as cases in children since adults may have less difficulty refraining from scratching the itchy skin thus reducing the possibility of aggravated skin and infections due to lesions and wounds. The downside to adult is that they have to be out in the world where there are more risks of exposure to allergens than children who usually stay at home or in school.
Treatment for adult atopic dermatitis is usually stronger than those for children. The most common treatments for atopic dermatitis are topical steroids which are applied on the affected areas. These topical steroids have seven degrees of strength which suit certain areas of the skin and their sensitivity. Skin on the face and creases, which are more sensitive, are usually applied with the steroids with the least strength, just like those for babies.
Other forms of adult atopic dermatitis treatments are inhibitors or modulators which act to suppress the immune system of the individuals in hopes of lessening the symptoms of adult atopic dermatitis. These usually work because this form of eczema is a form of allergic reaction which manifests in the skin. Exposure to allergens is what triggers this form of eczema. These forms of treatment do have undesirable side effects which come to fore when the medication is used in a long term basis.
Prevention of flare ups is often the most recommended way of controlling adult atopic dermatitis. Knowing what triggers the flare ups can help the individual avoid them in hopes of preventing flare ups and reactions. Foods that trigger flare ups are easier to avoid than airborne triggers. Adult atopic dermatitis can be inconvenient especially when the case or flare up is severe and may affect one's daily routine.
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