Saturday, June 6, 2009

A Guide to Dermatitis Herpetiformis on Hands

Dermatitis Herpetiformis is a recurrent, chronic skin disorder, mainly affecting adults in the age group of 20-60 years. Females are twice more likely to get this disease, and it may erupt in children as well. Dermatitis Herpetiformis condition is hereditary, but is not cancerous or infectious. Humid and hot weather can also trigger the eruption of skin lesions.

Diagnosing the dermatitis herpetiformis of hands mainly depends on the appearance of skin lesions. Doctor usually performs the skin biopsy for lab evaluation. Doctor may also ask you to get the blood test done to check for some immune markers that can help in diagnosis.

Dermatitis herpetiformis of hands is a chronic disorder, and the episodes may last for days, months or years. Treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis of hands helps to control the symptoms and reduce the severity, but cannot cure the disease.

Dermatitis herpetiformis of hands gives rise to lesions that can be very itchy, with stinging or burning sensation. These lesions appear in symmetric cluster of blisters. Scratching them can cause crusting, abrasion or secondary bacterial infection.

The treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis of hands largely depends upon its severity, response to the therapy and its impact on patient’s daily life. The treatments usually include general measures and medications, and avoidance of triggers. Earlier recognition during mild dermatitis herpetiformis can help to treat the celiac disease and gluten intolerance.

General measures to treat dermatitis herpetiformis of hands include restricting the gluten in the diet and using cool water soaks to soothe the itching and irritation. Antibiotics are usually given to improve the symptoms, reduce the inflammation and lessen the duration and severity of the disease. Some of the most commonly used medications to treat dermatitis herpetiformis of hands are topical steroid lotions, ointments, creams to reduce inflammation, calamine lotion, antihistamines, Dapsone, and Sulfapyridine.

Topical steroid medications must be used with caution as they get absorbed through the skin in the blood stream, and may cause toxic effect. Antibiotics help reduce the blistering and eruptions, but can cause many side-effects including liver toxicity, muscle weakness, hemolytic anemia, and peripheral neuropathy.

When taking treatment for dermatitis herpetiformis of hands, tell your doctor about any other medication you are taking. Restrict or eliminate the gluten from your diet and avoid activities that cause excessive sweating or overheating. It is very important to maintain good skin hygiene, so that secondary bacterial infection can be avoided. Strictly adhering to the gluten-free diet can eliminate the symptoms of DH and intestinal abnormalities in the long run.

1 comment:

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