Dermatitis Herpetiformis (Duhring’s disease)

[GlendaStudent]

Does anyone have experience with Dermatitis herpetiformis or Duhring’s disease? It seems to be an autoimmune dis-ease possibly connected with Hashimoto’s. I recommended the leaky gut protocol and Thyroid Stim, but the person is allergic to milk thistle. So we’re trying to put together something with herbs available in South America. Chamomile, parsley, and ginger are abundant, and we’re looking for other herbs to replace the ones that aren’t. And we could get family to send us stuff from the States if it’s not available here. Thanks for your input:)

[Michelle KochStudent]

DH is actually a skin manifestation of Celiac Disease, which is also an autoimmune disease.  It can only be confirmed with a skin biopsy by a qualified dermatologist, preferably one familiar with celiac, because the biopsy does require some special considerations (like not taking from tissue that has been scratched, or has been applied with steroid creams).  Some sufferers find long soaks in the tub with copious amounts of baking soda to be soothing.  Incidentally, people with celiac disease are more likely to have hypothyroidism as well.  What makes that tricky is, during a flare, consuming iodine tends to make it worse — as described on a support forum for people with celiac disease, “it’s like pouring gasoline on a grease fire,” so a lot of people with DH will avoid shellfish and especially nori during a flare.  If the person you’re helping has not seen a doctor who is familiar with celiac disease (either a dermatologist or a gastroenterologist), I would hope you strongly urge them to do so.  If this is not possible (I see you’re in a different country), and if your friend is okay with not getting a confirmed diagnosis, I would recommend a gluten elimination challenge before doing anything to influence thyroid function.

2 users thanked author for this post.

Tasha Schlittenhart, Glenda

[GlendaStudentTopic Author]

Thanks:) Yes, her doctor suspects she has celiac even though the test results weren’t conclusive. I will pass this on to her.

[Michelle KochStudent]

Glenda, DH, and other skin manifestations of Celiac Disease are really hard to diagnose, and often those particular patients are actually seronegative (no antibodies seen on tests/tests inconclusive).  And it seems, the longer a person suffers without being diagnosed, the more likely they are to become seronegative.  So yeah– definitely try a gluten free diet for awhile.  In full disclosure, while some perceived improvement may be seen as soon as three weeks, it may take 6-12 months for the skin lesions to clear up.  I myself am still suffering from something I should not have eaten, clear back in June!

1 user thanked author for this post.

Glenda

[GlendaStudentTopic Author]

She said to thank you for verifying she’s on the right path. She’s been doing gluten-free for a while, and it helps. But not everyone realizes how important it is for her to avoid gluten, and she ends up eating it accidentally.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Have a look at the Autoimmune and Leaky Gut lesson and have a look at the Leaky gut discussion. I often find that protocol to help decrease inflammation with autoimmune cases.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Glenda

[ESFrancisStudent]

Thanks for the info!!   🙂

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