Dermatitis herpetiformis epidemiology and demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Dermatitis Herpetiformis (also called Duhring’s disease), is a chronic itchy rash which is frequently associated with Celiac Disease. The rash is made of papules and vesicles which are present on different parts of the body mostly commonly on neck, trunk, buttocks and knees. It is an autoimmune mediated skin condition, which is IgA mediated reaction and is associated with gluten sensitivity of small bowel. There is presence of antibodies which leads to positive serology test results.

Dermatitis herpetiformis is associated with high prevalence of other autoimmune diseases.

The incidence ranges from ranges from 0.4 to 2.6 per 100.000 people per year, which is reported to be decreased while the incidence of celiac disease is increasing. Dermatitis herpetiformis is a rare complication pf celiac disease.

The highest prevalence is reported in Finland, while on the US and Europe it ranges from 11.2 to 75.3 per 100.000.

Dermatitis herpetiformis occurs in adulthood in ages 30-40s. It does not occur commonly in children but few cases are reported.

Men are most commonly presented with dermatitis herpetiformis as compared to women with a ratio of 2:1.

More prevalent in Caucasian population, it rarely occurs in African American and Asian populations.

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