Herpetiform dermatitis is a fairly common chronic disease, accompanied by the appearance of a characteristic skin rash. Statistical studies have shown that men aged 20 to 40 are more prone to this disease.
Herpetiform dermatitis and its causes
Unfortunately, the causes of the development of such a disease are not yet fully understood. But today there are several basic theories. Some experts are inclined to think that this form of dermatitis is allergic, because in 90% of patients with a similar diagnosis, there is also an increased sensitivity to gluten.
Some researchers attribute the development of this chronic disease to infections, as quite often the first exacerbation occurs against the background of an infectious disease, such as flu or scarlet fever.
Recently, the theory of the autoimmune nature of this disease has become increasingly popular.
Herpetiform dermatitis: symptoms and clinical presentation
As already mentioned, the disease is chronic - severe exacerbations with appropriate treatment are replaced by periods of relative well-being of the body. As a rule, the disease begins with severe skin itching. Some patients complain of tingling and burning, although at this stage the skin texture remains unchanged.
After about 12 hours, the first rashes begin to appear. Herpetiform dermatitis (photos are presented in the article) is accompanied by a very characteristic polymorphic rash, which consists of papules and vesicles located asymmetrically. By the way, most often the disease affects the skin on the face, scalp, elbow and knee bends, buttocks.
As the disease develops, the bubbles begin to burst, and their liquid contents form crusts. In addition, this form of dermatitis is accompanied by a disruption of the digestive system - frequent bowel movements are observed, and the feces become grayish and have a liquid consistency.
In some cases, an exacerbation of the disease is accompanied by a deterioration in well-being - patients complain of weakness, increased fatigue. In addition, herpetiform dermatitis and its frequent relapses cannot but affect the mental state of the patient. A person becomes irritable or, conversely, falls into a depressed state.
Herpetiform dermatitis and treatment methods
It should be noted that therapy with a similar disease is quite lengthy. Moreover, there is no medicine that can permanently rid dermatitis. Nevertheless, the use of drugs in combination with a diet will help to avoid subsequent exacerbations.
Treatment includes anti-inflammatory and antihistamines that reduce itching and burning. In the most severe cases, doctors prescribe ointments with corticosteroids - such drugs really quickly remove inflammation and redness of the skin. It will be useful to take immunomodulators and vitamins, as these drugs regulate the activity of the immune system. And, of course, patients are advised to strictly adhere to a gluten-free diet - cereals and foods containing iodine in high concentrations should be excluded from the diet.