Dermatitis herpetiformis

DH can appear at any age, but is most commonly diagnosed in those between the ages of 15 and 40.

It’s more common in men than women and is rare in children.


It’s more common in men than women and is rare in children.

Symptoms

People with DH can have:

red, raised patches often with blisters that burst with scratching severe itching and often stinging

The rash can affect any area of the skin but is most commonly seen on the:

elbows knees buttocks

The rash usually occurs on both sides of the body, for example on both elbows.

Dermatitis herpetiformis often affects the knees.Source: https://dermnetnz.org/

Gut symptoms

Most people with DH will have the same kind of gut damage seen with coeliac disease, but may not complain of gut symptoms like:

diarrhoea constipation stomach pain bloating

Just over half (60%) of people with DH don’t have gut symptoms.