DH- dermatitis herpetiformis- So my antibiotics have finished 1 week ago & my scalp has returned to unbelieveably itchy so soon after?

[Greenfingers007]

Not sure how I am going to cope all week until my biopsy results in a weeks time?

Then it’s reality time - if it’s positive so do I really have to live forever with such pain- it just makes my life miserable?

Can’t believe this rash started so suddenly last Nov & it’s made my life a nightmare☹️☹️

[Researchfan]

Hi Greenfingers007.

Didn’t want to read and run! Sorry to hear!

If DH is confirmed there will be definite relief at the end of the tunnel - you’ll most likely be prescribed the steroid medication to bring the itching and rash under control.

And the only treatment long term is if you can adhere to a very strict gluten free diet as Coeliac. It can take a while for the rash and itching to go. Your going to have to persevere.

It might help to concentrate on nutrition for your skin health - with Coeliac and skin issues the Essential fatty acids are a must. As your gut may have trouble absorbing. They build the membranes and structure of cells. They’re essential - omega 3s and omega 6s.

if you don’t eat fish, fish oil/ cod liver oil is antiinflammatory or a high vegan DHA and EPA supplement. Omega 6 in nuts and seeds, or supplement safflower or evening primrose oil. Which Can also be absorbed into the skin if applied topically to healthy skin for a couple of weeks. A little goes a long way.

Avoid processed seed/vegetable oils, unless cold pressed. They could be oxidised which is bad for health. Olive oil has a little omega 6 but the oil is high in omega 9 or oleic acid which can displace the essential fats. Coconut oil is also lacking in essential fats but is anti microbial and good at locking in moisture. Old fashioned lard and butter contain some essential fats as well as being anti microbial too. Linseeds are a good source of plant omega 3 ALA but this must be converted in the body to the usable form which is limited so safflower and borage oil contain the converted fats GLA etc.

Hang in there.

[tmoxon]

Hi have you tried Dapsone, i used to find it really helped with my itching