Herpetiformis dermatitis effects can affect any individual who suffers from this condition and celiac disease, especially if they are careless about their mandatory gluten-free diet. Read more herpetiformis dermatitis information to know what to expect if you are a celiac patient and not only.
Herpetiformis dermatitis is a skin condition which causes an incredibly itchy rash. The rash also comes with blisters and bumps and they tend to be chronic meaning that they are likely to disappear and come back over time. Apart from the uncomfortable and burning rash, patients might experience symptoms that are associated with celiac disease such as abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea and fatigue. The rash in herpetiformis dermatitis tends to be symmetrical and although it can appear on any part of the body, it is more common on elbows, knees, scalp and buttocks.
This medical condition is cause by the intolerance to gluten, a protein which is found in some grains and in other many products and foods that are available on the market. In fact, herpetiformis dermatitis is a symptom of celiac disease, a condition which affects the small intestine and which is caused by the intolerance to gluten. In healthy individuals gluten does not cause any harm to their bodies but in patients of celiac disease it leads to a destructive response of the immune system which causes injuries to the small protrusions on the lining of the small intestine, called villies and which are very important in the nutrient absorption process.
Herpetiformis dermatitis complications are unlikely to occur unless celiac disease has been diagnosed. The complications that arise from untreated celiac disease and herpetiformis dermatitis may include an increased risk of developing thyroid problems and intestinal lymphoma. Actually, the complications arise from the autoimmune character of the condition. An over-reacting immune system is a sign that something does not work well and might cause problems to other parts of the body which do not necessarily involve the digestive system. Another long-term potential effect of untreated celiac disease and herpetiformis dermatitis is malnutrition. Malnutrition appears as a result of the inability of the body to absorb the necessary nutrients in the food. In the end, no matter how much food a patient consumes it will never be enough to overcome the body’s needs.
These two conditions might however be tricky. From a point of view, some could say that people who develop herpetiformis dermatitis as a result of celiac disease are lucky because the disease usually manifests quietly but still causes damage. Other symptoms do not seem worryingly such as fatigue or weight loss and they may not be taken as symptoms for this particular condition. In the end, herpetiformis dermatitis effects on the long run can be seriously threatening the health of the patient and may include some types of intestinal cancer.