Gluten Challenge Induces Skin and Small Bowel Relapse in Long-Term Gluten-Free Diet –Treated Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an extraintestinal manifestation of celiac disease causing an itchy, blistering rash. Granular IgA deposits in the skin are pathognomonic for DH, and the treatment of choice is a lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD). Preliminary evidence suggests that there are patients with DH who redevelop gluten tolerance after adherence to a GFD treatment. To evaluate this, we performed a 12-month gluten challenge with  skin and small-bowel mucosal biopsy samples in 19 patients with DH who had adhered to a GFD for a mean of 23 years.

Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology - April 14, 2019 Category: Dermatology Authors: Eriika Mansikka, Kaisa Hervonen, Katri Kaukinen, Tuire Ilus, Pia Oksanen, Katri Lindfors, Kaija Laurila, Minna Hietikko, Juha Taavela, Juha Jernman, P äivi Saavalainen, Timo Reunala, Teea Salmi Tags: Original Article Source Type: research