Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a severe, chronic skin rash associated with celiac disease.
The symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis are extremely itchy and blistering skin. Sometimes referred to as gluten rash or celiac rash, DH is a chronic condition that is considered to be the skin form of celiac disease. Not all people with celiac disease develop DH, but most people with DH have celiac disease.
The rash usually occurs on the elbows, knees, and buttocks and it is typically symmetrical, meaning it appears on both sides of the body. When this gluten-related rash goes away, which it often does spontaneously, it may leave brown or pale marks on the skin where pigmentation is lost.
DH is commonly mistaken for other conditions such as:
In the past, DH was also known as Duhring disease, Duhring-Brocq disease or Brocq-Duhring disease.
Only about 20 percent of people with DH have intestinal symptoms of celiac disease, however, biopsies show that 80 percent have some degree of damage to the small intestine, especially if a high gluten diet is maintained.
DH is a skin manifestation of celiac disease and is part of the abnormal immune response to gluten. For those with celiac disease and DH, eating gluten triggers an autoimmune response which causes DH blisters to form. This rash is connected to celiac disease, not non-celiac gluten sensitivity (‘gluten sensitivity’).
Dermatitis herpetiformis symptoms include:
It can appear anywhere on the body but most frequently appears on the elbows, knees, buttocks, lower back and scalp. Doctors diagnose dermatitis herpetiformis by performing a biopsy on the cells under the top layer of skin.
Learn more about dermatitis herpetiformis symptoms and testing.
Dermatitis herpetiformis treatment consists of a lifelong gluten-free diet, just like celiac disease. It may take about six months to achieve some improvement in the skin condition and up to two years or more to get total control through the gluten-free diet alone. Additionally, Rash symptoms can be controlled with dapsone, an antibacterial medication.
Learn more about dermatitis herpetiformis treatment.
Read dermatitis herpetiformis research and other resources.
One of my only recurring symptoms was dermatitis herpetiformis (DH). The problem was it was usually isolated with no other issues. My whole life, I always thought it was just from injuries, skinning my knees so frequently in sports, or playing near poison ivy.
One year ago, I broke out in what I thought was hives from stress. Throughout this year, the rash has moved to different spots on my body and actually changes characteristics as it “morphs.” The rash is now blistery patches that fill up and hurt and pop on my nose daily.
I would have outbreaks of small patches of a very itchy rash on various parts of my body, most often on my feet. Dietary changes have since calmed my symptoms, but I still have the occasional flare-up, mostly during the hot summer months when my feet are bound by heavy work boots all day.
It was the itchiest thing ever! It burned and bled…disgusting. It got worse and worse and spread to every part of me but my face. The rash at 41 was the most miserable thing I’ve experienced physically, but it was a blessing in the sense that it finally led to the right diagnosis.
I was perfectly healthy until I started developing a painful and itchy rash all over that got progressively more severe over time. After visiting dozens of dermatologists who had no clue what was wrong, one finally recommended getting tested for celiac disease and cutting out gluten, and the healing was almost instant.
At Beyond Celiac, we’re collecting real stories from people living with celiac disease to highlight how symptoms affect everyday life.
Your experience with dermatitis herpetiformis can help others feel seen, understood, and empowered. We only share first names or initials to protect your privacy. These stories raise awareness and help others recognize how celiac disease shows up in different ways.
Use the form below to share your experiences with dermatitis herpetiformis.
Opt-in to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Yes, I want to advance research No, I'd prefer not to