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DH in 11 year old boy?

Arwabint

By Arwabint
in Dermatitis Herpetiformis

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Arwabint Newbie
Arwabint
Posted

Hi everyone. For the past week my 11 year old son has been complaining of misquoito bites itching him. i finally looked at them today properly and it looks exactly like DH. My husband has DH as well but it only appeared in his early 30’s. My son’s rash 5D92BE81-2760-4DFB-999F-300CC9B1430D.webp.9195744a22c67ca1eac82f1607911c1a.webpis all across the back of his thighs, on the sides of both knees and a little bit on the top of both sides of the  buttocks. I wanted to get him tested to see if he has a gluten allergy, either the prick test or blood test or both. i prefer not to do a biopsy as seems very invasive.

my two questions:

- what tests are most reliable in determining if one has DH?

- does the rash on his thighs seem like DH? (pic attached)

thanks in advance!

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GFinDC Veteran
GFinDC
Posted

Hi,

They test for DH by taking a small skin biopsy from clear skin next to a lesion.  A dermatologist is the person to go to.  Don't have him quit eating gluten until all testing is done though.  He needs to eat enough gluten each day to keep the antibodies active.  A half slice of regular wheat bread should to it.

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

He can also get the celiac blood tests as well.  If you go with a skin biopsy, make sure the dermatologist knows how to properly biospy the rash specifically for DH.  

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All first-degree relatives should be tested even if they are asymptomatic.  DH is celiac disease!  It just presents on the skin.  It can develop at any time in your life!  

 

Arwabint Newbie
Arwabint
Posted
  • Author

thanks for taking the time to reply!

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted
1 hour ago, Arwabint said:

thanks for taking the time to reply!

Your photo?  It could be DH, but lots of rashes look the same.  Odds are it is celiac disease since your husband has been diagnosed with DH.  

Consider reading through the DH section of this forum for tips on managing DH.  

I hope your son feels better soon.  

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