352: Dermatitis Herpetiformis (Celiac Gluten Rash) Symptoms + Treatment w/ Dr. Peter Lio

The Healthy Skin Show

Are you struggling with a super itchy skin rash that looks like eczema? If gluten seems to be a trigger – you might be dealing with dermatitis herpetiformis!
Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a rare skin rash that starts off as incredibly itchy, small blisters that eventually start to become open sores due to constant scratching.
This rash is generally considered to be MORE ITCHY than eczema, and is commonly found in the creases of elbows, knees, and buttocks.
What causes DH, you might ask? The answer is surprising: Gluten. Yes, dermatitis herpetiformis is a gluten rash – the skin manifestation of celiac disease. In fact, eliminating gluten from your diet and skincare is necessary to find relief.
Joining me to talk about the link between gluten, dermatitis herpetiformis, and celiac disease is fan-favorite guest Dr. Peter Lio, who is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology & Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, completed his internship in Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital, and his Dermatology training at Harvard where he served as Chief Resident in Dermatology. While at Harvard, Dr. Lio received formal training in acupuncture. Dr. Lio has written a textbook on Integrative Dermatology and has published over 100 papers.
In This Episode:

• What is dermatitis herpetiformis (DH)?
• Dermatitis herpetiformis symptoms
• How is this gluten rash diagnosed?
• Other clues that you may have dermatitis herpetiformis (e.g. altered oral health)
• Autoimmune conditions linked to this celiac rash
• Can removing gluten from your diet improve dermatitis herpetiformis symptoms?
• Dermatitis herpetiformis treatment options
• Nutrient deficiencies associated with celiac disease
• Should you use gluten-free skincare if you have DH?

Quotes
“Dermatitis herpetiformis, or DH, is really an inflammatory autoimmune disease that actually results in tiny blisters, although when most patients see it, they tend to look more eczematous…It's incredibly itchy.”
“[The itch] can be absolutely crazy. They can be going nuts where they're scratching. And again, it's these funny areas, elbows, knees, buttocks, and they're so uncomfortable. They can't really seem to get to the itch. I find it's even more intense and deeper in general than atopic dermatitis.”
Links
Find Dr. Lio online | Twitter | Facebook
Healthy Skin Show ep. 216: Could Your Rash Be A Sign Of Lymphoma? w/ Dr. Peter Lio
Healthy Skin Show ep. 246: Everything You Need To Know About Skin Tests (Done By Your Dermatologist) w/ Dr. Peter Lio
Healthy Skin Show ep. 275: Why You're So Itchy (HINT: It's Probably Not Histamine) w/ Dr. Shawn Kwatra
Dermatitis Herpetiformis (NIDDK)
Dermatitis Herpetiformis (NIH)
Dermatitis Herpetiformis: Novel Perspectives

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. What is dermatitis herpetiformis (DH)? (00:00:56)

3. Dermatitis herpetiformis symptoms (00:01:29)

4. How is this gluten rash diagnosed? (00:02:44)

5. Other clues that you may have dermatitis herpetiformis (e.g. altered oral health) (00:08:31)

6. Other health conditions linked to this celiac rash (00:10:57)

7. Can removing gluten from your diet improve dermatitis herpetiformis symptoms? (00:16:17)

8. Dermatitis herpetiformis treatment options (00:18:36)

9. Nutrient deficiencies associated with celiac disease (00:21:15)

10. Should you use gluten-free skincare if you have DH? (00:22:24)

11. Final thoughts (00:24:56)