Skin Conditions DatabaseBack to IndexDERMATITIS HERPETIFORMISSymptoms: Dermatitis herpetiformis is an autoimmune disease causing clusters of intensely itchy small blisters and hivelike swellings. Despite its name, dermatitis herpetiformis has nothing to do with the herpes virus. In people with dermatitis herpetiformis, glutens (proteins) in wheat, rye, and barley products somehow activate the immune system, which attacks parts of the skin and causes the rash and itching. People with dermatitis herpetiformis may develop celiac disease, which is caused by the gluten sensitivity. These people have a higher incidence of other autoimmune diseases, such as thyroiditis, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, and diabetes. People with dermatitis herpetiformis occasionally develop lymphoma in the intestines. Small blisters usually develop gradually, mostly on the elbows, knees, buttocks, lower back, and back of the head. Sometimes blisters break out on the face and neck. Itching and burning are likely to be severe. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Trade Names: ADVIL, MOTRIN, NUPRIN) may worsen the rash. Link: http://www.merck.com Medical Treatment: The blisters do not go away without treatment. The drug dapsone, taken by mouth, almost always provides relief in 1 to 2 days, but requires that blood counts be checked regularly. Once the disease has been brought under control with drugs and the person has followed a strict gluten-free diet (a diet that is free of wheat, rye, and barley) for 6 months or longer, drug treatment usually can be discontinued. However, some people can never discontinue the drug. In most people, any reexposure to gluten, however small, will trigger another outbreak. A gluten-free diet may prevent the development of intestinal lymphoma. Link: http://www.merck.com Alternative Medical Treament: In general, itchy skin should be treated very gently. While scratching may temporarily ease the itch, in the long run scratching just makes it worse. In addition, scratching can lead to an endless cycle of more itching and scratching. To control the urge to scratch, a person can apply a cooling or soothing lotion or cold compress to the area. Itching may be relieved by applying a warm compress of diluted vinegar, preferably such herbal vinegars as plantain, violet, lavender, or rose. The itching associated with mosquito bites can be reduced by applying meat tenderizer paste, table salt (to wet skin), or toothpaste. Any alkaline preparation (like a paste of baking soda and water) will help ease the itch. Probably the most common cause of itching is dry skin. Flaxseed oil and vitamin E taken orally can help to rehydrate dry skin and can reduce itching. There are a number of simple things a person can do to relieve itching.
Emotional stress can trigger many different dermatoses, including certain itching rashes. Hypnosis has been helpful in treating atopic dermatitis, itching, psoriasis, hives, and other dermatoses. In several small studies, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been effective in temporarily relieving chronic itch associated with varying dermatoses. TENS is a treatment in which mild electrical current is passed through electrodes on the skin to stimulate nerves and block pain signals. Portable TENS units are available for home use. Cutaneous field stimulation (CFS) was found to safely relieve experimentally induced itching for a longer time period than TENS. CFS electrically stimulates nerves in the skin to harmlessly mimic scratching and inhibit the itch sensation. Herbal itch remedies: The following herbal remedies for itching are used externally:
Link: http://health.enotes.com Disclaimer: If you believe you are suffering from a skin disorder you should consult a professional licensed medical practitioner. No one working for or connected with Vashon Organics either claims or pretends to be a licensed health care practitioner. Sources for the information provided in this database are provided and any information received by you from this database should be considered a starting place for your research rather than a definitive diagnosis or professional recommendation of treatment.
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