Dermatitis Herpetiformis: What Practitioners Need to Know

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an autoimmune blistering disorder with a multifactorial etiology associated with a gluten-sensitive enteropathy. A chronic disease with a variable course, it is often exceptionally frustrating for patients; however, with current medical management and lifestyle adjustments, treatment can be highly successful. The prevalence in the United States is approximately 11.2 cases per 100,000 and internationally as high as 75.3 cases per 100,000. Health-related practitioners should be able to appreciate and recognize essential features of this disease. This review highlights distinguishing clinical symptoms and serves to aid the reader in the diagnosis and treatment of DH.