Eczema.com

One medical condition closely related to eczema, and exhibiting eczema as part of its symptoms is a condition known as dermatitis herpetiformis. It is closely related to Celiac disease, and is at its root, a digestive condition. Those who suffer from dermatitis herpetiformis experience an immune reaction to gluten, a common protein found in nearly any bread item, or foods containing wheat, barley, or rye.

Symptoms

Those who suffer from dermatitis herpetiformis develop small oozing papules on their skin. The blisters are extremely itchy, creating complication when they are scratched to the point of the skin breaking. Although the name herpetiformis makes it sound as if the disease is related to herpes, there is no connection. The word simply means that it looks like the skin lesions produced by herpes simplex.

Causes

Dermatitis herpetiformis, as mentioned, is closely related to the gluten intolerance of Celiac disease. Symptoms are usually aggravated by consumption of foods containing gluten, which includes nearly any bread product and products containing rye, wheat, and barley.

Treatment

The best form of treatment is an intense diet modification, which means eliminating any consumption of foods containing gluten. Diet modification treatment may be combined with a variety of medications.

Complications

Dermatitis herpetiformis affects the immune system. Those who suffer from dermatitis herpetiformis may also develop problems with the lymph system (intestinal lymphoma) or any variety of thyroid conditions. Untreated skin lesions developing from the blisters can produce infections.