Gluten Challenge in Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Abstract

Dermatitis herpetiformis is characterized by an itchy blistering rash. The lesions are typically distributed over the elbows, knees, and buttocks. Histologically, the blister is situated between the epidermis and the dermis. The rash responds well to sulfone drugs, and the majority of cases are controlled with 100 mg of dapsone daily. Although the clinical picture, histologic findings, and response to sulfones are characteristic of the disease, the diagnosis can be made with certainty only by finding deposits of IgA in the papillary dermis of uninvolved skin by direct immunofluorescence.1 The role of gluten in the pathogenesis of dermatitis herpetiformis was . . .