The information in this section has been gathered from existing peer-reviewed and other literature and has been reviewed by expert dermatologists on the CSPA Medical Advisory Board.
Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a chronic, autoimmune skin condition caused by a reaction to gluten ingestion. It is characterized by the presence of groups of itchy blisters and red skin lesions on both sides of the body. These are most commonly located on the elbows, knees, buttocks, lower back, and scalp. DH is a skin manifestation of celiac disease (CD).
DH affects 10-15% of people with celiac disease. It can affect people of all ages but most often appears for the first time in those ages 30 and 40.
Similar to CD, people of northern European descent are more likely than those of African or Asian heritage to develop DH.
