Start Here#
If you've recently been diagnosed with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) — or suspect you have it — this guide walks you through what you need to know, in order.
Medical Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Work with your doctor to make treatment decisions. Read the full disclaimer.
Reading order#
These pages are designed to be read in sequence. Each builds on the previous one.
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What Is DH? — What's happening in your body, why you have this rash, and how it connects to celiac disease.
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Getting Diagnosed — The specific biopsy and blood tests you need, what to ask your doctor, and why DH is so frequently misdiagnosed.
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Treatment Basics — The two pillars of treatment: the gluten-free diet and dapsone. What each does, what to expect, and how they work together.
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Gluten-Free Quickstart — Practical first steps for going strictly gluten-free. What to eliminate, what to watch for, and how to avoid hidden gluten.
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Triggers to Know — Beyond gluten: iodine, alcohol, NSAIDs, stress, and other factors that can trigger or worsen flares.
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Monitoring Your Progress — Which blood tests to track, what the numbers mean, and realistic timelines for improvement.
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Living with DH — Long-term management, quality of life, dietary strategies beyond GFD, and what remission looks like.
Key facts at a glance#
- DH is the skin manifestation of celiac disease — not a separate condition
- It causes intensely itchy, blistering rashes, typically on elbows, knees, and buttocks
- The only long-term treatment is a strict gluten-free diet
- Dapsone provides fast itch relief while the diet takes effect (weeks to months)
- Most patients achieve good control within 1-2 years on a strict gluten-free diet
- DH is frequently misdiagnosed as eczema — proper diagnosis requires a specific skin biopsy
Want the full science?#
Every guide page links to the relevant research. If you want to go deeper on any topic, head to the Research Library.