Celiac Disease Rash: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment (2024)

(Celiac Disease) Gluten Rash Causes
- What Causes Gluten Rash?
Diagnosis
- How Is Gluten Rash Diagnosed?
Treatment
- What Is the Treatment for Gluten Rash?
Complications
- What Are Complications of Gluten Rash?
Prevention
- How Do You Prevent Gluten Rash?

Gluten rash is a chronic, autoimmune skin conditionthat occurs in people with celiac disease because of gluten sensitivity. Symptoms of a gluten rash include a rash that looks like red, raised skin lesions/blisters, sores that look like hives, and lesions that occur in groups.

Gluten rash (also called dermatitis herpetiformis, DH, and Duhring’s disease) is a rare, chronic, autoimmune skin condition that occurs in people with celiac disease that is a manifestation of gluten sensitivity.

A gluten rash commonly develops on the elbows, knees, buttocks, lower back, and scalp. The face and groin may be affected less frequently.

Symptoms of a gluten rash include:

Rash that looks like red, raised skin lesions/blisters
Sores that look like hives
Lesions occur in groups
Severe itching
Rash is usually symmetrical and appears on both sides of the body

Other symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis include:

What Causes Gluten Rash?

Gluten rash is caused by a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Genetics: first-degree relatives of patients have an increased risk of both gluten rash (dermatitis herpetiformis) and celiac disease
Environment: dietary gluten

How Is Gluten Rash Diagnosed?

Gluten rash (dermatitis herpetiformis) is diagnosed with a patient history and physical examination and a skin biopsy for direct immunofluorescence microscopy (DIF).

Antibody protein (IgA) deposits are found within the dermis of 92% of patients who have dermatitis herpetiformis.

Blood tests may be used to support the diagnosis and to monitor if a person is following to dietary therapy recommendations:

What Is the Treatment for Gluten Rash?

The mainstay of treatment for gluten rash (dermatitis herpetiformis) is a strict gluten-free diet and often the antibiotic dapsone. Dapsone usually helps clear symptoms quickly, and the dose can be reduced if patients adhere to a strict gluten-free diet.

Other medications used to treat gluten rash in patients unable to take dapsone include:

Sulfapyridine
Topical corticosteroids (used short-term)

A dermatologist usually helps manage the skin manifestations of gluten rash, while consultation with a dietician may be recommended to help patients identify and eliminate both sources of dietary gluten, and to find alternatives to gluten-containing foods.

What Are Complications of Gluten Rash?

Gluten rash (dermatitis herpetiformis) is a condition that occurs in people who have celiac disease, and complications are similar to those of celiac disease, including:

Osteoporosis
Increased risk of other autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes and thyroid disease
Intestinal cancer
Side effects from dapsone treatment
- Ruptured red blood cells (hemolysis)
- Methemoglobinemia
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Severe low white blood cell count (agranulocytosis)

How Do You Prevent Gluten Rash?

There is no way to prevent gluten rash (dermatitis herpetiformis) from occurring and patients generally have the condition for life. Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet can minimize symptoms.

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References

https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/dermatitis-herpetiformis/
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/dermatitis-herpetiformis?search=dermatitis%20herpetiformis&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~50&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/dermatitis-herpetiformis