Dermatitis Herpetiformis 

  • Author: Jami L Miller, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Apr 13, 2011
 

Background

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an autoimmune blistering disorder associated with a gluten-sensitive enteropathy (GSE). The disease was described and named in 1884 by Dr. Louis Duhring at the University of Pennsylvania.[1] Dermatitis herpetiformis is characterized by grouped excoriations; erythematous, urticarial plaques; and papules with vesicles. The classic location for dermatitis herpetiformis lesions is on the extensor surfaces of the elbows, knees, buttocks, and back. Dermatitis herpetiformis is exquisitely pruritic, and the vesicles are often excoriated to erosions by the time of physical examination, as shown in the image below.

Classic vesicles of dermatitis herpetiformis. Classic vesicles of dermatitis herpetiformis.

Diagnosis requires direct immunofluorescence of a skin biopsy specimen showing deposition of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in a granular pattern in the upper papillary dermis. Although most patients are asymptomatic, greater than 90% have an associated gluten-sensitive enteropathy upon endoscopic examination. Among patients with celiac disease, 15-25% develop dermatitis herpetiformis. The mainstays of treatment are dapsone and a gluten-free diet.

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Pathophysiology

Dermatitis herpetiformis is a disease of the skin caused by the deposition of IgA in the papillary dermis, which triggers an immunologic cascade, resulting in neutrophil recruitment and complement activation. Dermatitis herpetiformis is the result of an immunologic response to chronic stimulation of the gut mucosa by dietary gluten.

An underlying genetic predisposition to the development of dermatitis herpetiformis has been demonstrated. Both dermatitis herpetiformis and celiac disease (CD) are associated with an increased expression of HLA-A1, HLA-B8, HLA-DR3, and HLA-DQ2 haplotypes. Environmental factors are also important; monozygotic twins may have dermatitis herpetiformis, celiac disease, and/or gluten-sensitive enteropathy with variable symptomatology.

The leading theory for dermatitis herpetiformis is that a genetic predisposition for gluten sensitivity, coupled with a diet high in gluten, leads to the formation of IgA antibodies to gluten-tissue transglutaminase (t-TG), which is found in the gut. These antibodies cross-react with epidermal transglutaminase (e-TG).[2] eTG is highly homologous with tTG. Serum from patients with gluten-sensitive enteropathy, with or without skin disease, contains IgA antibodies to both skin and gut types.[3] Deposition of IgA and epidermal TG complexes in the papillary dermis cause the lesions of dermatitis herpetiformis.

In patients with gluten-sensitive enteropathy, levels of circulating antibodies to tissue and epidermal transglutaminase have been found to correlate with each other, and both appear to correlate with the extent of enteropathy.[4]

Co-localized IgA and eTG deposits have been demonstrated in the papillary dermis in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis and, to lesser extent, in healthy skin of gluten-sensitive enteropathy patients.[5] eTG has not been demonstrated in normal papillary dermis, suggesting it is part of the circulating complex that is deposited in the papillary dermis, rather than originating from the papillary dermis.

Cutaneous IgA deposits in dermatitis herpetiformis have been shown to function in vitro as a ligand for neutrophil migration and attachment. Although IgA deposition is pivotal for disease, an increased serum IgA is not necessary for pathogenesis; in fact, case reports describe dermatitis herpetiformis in patients with a partial IgA deficiency.[6] When the disease is active, circulating neutrophils have a higher level of CD11b and an increased ability to bind IgA. The characteristic histologic finding of dermatitis herpetiformis is neutrophil accumulation at the dermoepidermal junction, frequently localizing to the papillary tips of the basement membrane zone.

Collagenase and stromelysin 1 may be induced in basal keratinocytes either by cytokines released from neutrophils or by contact with keratin from damaged basement membrane matrix. Stromelysin 1 may contribute to blister formation.

One study found levels of E-selectin mRNA expression in normal-appearing skin of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis to be 1271 times greater that that of controls.[7] Additionally, the same study observed increased soluble E-selectin, IgA antitissue transglutaminase antibodies, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and serum interleukin 8 (IL-8) levels in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis, providing further evidence of endothelial cell activation and a systemic inflammatory response as part of the pathogenic mechanism of the disease. Mild local trauma may also induce the release of cytokines and attract the partially primed or activated neutrophils, which is consistent with the typical location of dermatitis herpetiformis lesions on frequently traumatized areas, such as the knees and elbows.

Deposits of C3 also may be present in a similar pattern at the dermoepidermal junction. The membrane attack complex, C5-C9, also has been identified in perilesional skin, although it may be inactive and not contribute to cell lysis.[8]

A recent study showed an increased expression of disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAMs) 8, 10, 15, and 17 in lesional skin of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis compared with controls. The high affinity of ADAMs for the basement membrane led the authors to hypothesize a role in blister formation in dermatitis herpetiformis.[9]

Hormonal factors may also play a role in the pathogenesis of dermatitis herpetiformis, and reports describe dermatitis herpetiformis induced by treatment with leuprolide acetate, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog.[10] Androgens have a suppressive effect on immune activity, including decreased autoimmunity, and androgen deficient states may be a potential trigger for dermatitis herpetiformis exacerbation. Exacerbation of dermatitis herpetiformis by oral contraceptives has also been reported.

Apoptosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of epidermal changes in dermatitis herpetiformis, and research demonstrates a markedly increased apoptotic rate within the epidermal compartment in dermatitis herpetiformis.[11] In addition, Bax and Bcl-2 proteins are increased in the dermal perivascular compartment and Fas proteins showed epidermal staining in dermatitis herpetiformis lesions.

Most patients with dermatitis herpetiformis have histologic evidence of enteropathy, even in the absence of symptoms of malabsorption. In one study, all dermatitis herpetiformis patients had increased intestinal permeability (as measured by the lactulose/mannitol ratio) and up-regulation of zonulin, a regulator of tight junctions.[12] Thus, increased expression of zonulin may be involved in the pathogenesis of enteropathy in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis.

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Epidemiology

Frequency

United States

The only US study showed a dermatitis herpetiformis prevalence of 11.2 cases per 100,000 population.

International

Prevalence of dermatitis herpetiformis has been reported as high as 10 cases per 100,000 population.

Mortality/Morbidity

In an English study, patients with dermatitis herpetiformis (152 total) were followed from the date of diagnosis to the end of 1989 for mortality and from 1971 or the date of diagnosis (if later) to 1986 for cancer incidence.[13] Death occurred in 38 patients younger than 85 years, slightly fewer than expected on the basis of national general population rates. Cancer incidence was significantly increased. Cancer of the small intestine caused 1 death, and lymphoma caused 1 death. Another English study, which compared 846 dermatitis herpetiformis patients with 4225 controls, found that dermatitis herpetiformis conferred no increased risk of lymphoproliferative cancer and no increase in fracture, malignancy, or mortality.[14]

A 30-year population-based study of 1147 celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis patients in Finland also revealed an overall good prognosis for patients with dermatitis herpetiformis.[15] The total occurrence of malignancies was equal to that of the general population in both celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis patients, but an increased incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma was noted among both celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis patients, with standardized incidence ratios of 3.2 and 6.0, respectively. Overall mortality was actually decreased in dermatitis herpetiformis patients compared with that in the general population.

Dermatitis herpetiformis lesions are extremely pruritic. Morbidity results from scarring, discomfort, and insomnia due to itching. Secondary infection may also develop, requiring antibiotic therapy.

Race

Dermatitis herpetiformis occurs more frequently in individuals of Northern European ancestry and is rare in Asians and persons of African descent. Dermatitis herpetiformis is most common in Ireland and Sweden. This can be attributed to the shared HLA associations of dermatitis herpetiformis and celiac disease including DQA1*0501 and B1*-02, which encode HLA-DQ2 heterodimers.

Sex

US studies show a male-to-female ratio of 1.44:1, but international studies have demonstrated a male-to-female ratio up to 2:1. In one study of patients with gluten-sensitive enteropathy, 16% of the men and 9% of the women had dermatitis herpetiformis.[16]

Age

Typically, the onset of dermatitis herpetiformis is in the second to fourth decade; however, persons of any age may be affected.[17] Dermatitis herpetiformis is rare in children.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Jami L Miller, MD  Assistant Professor, Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical School; Director of Phototherapy Unit, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Consulting Attending Physician, Nashville Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Jami L Miller, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, and American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Shehnaz Aysha K Zaman, MD  Resident Physician, Department of Dermatology, Vanderbilt Medical Center

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Russell Hall, MD  J Lamar Callaway Professor And Chair, Department of Dermatology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC

Russell Hall, MD, is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Dermatological Association, American Federation for Medical Research, American Society for Clinical Investigation, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Genetech Grant/research funds Principle Investigator; Centecor Grant/research funds Principle Investigator

Michael J Wells, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Michael J Wells, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Julia R Nunley, MD  Professor, Program Director, Dermatology Residency, Department of Dermatology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center

Julia R Nunley, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, American Society of Nephrology, International Society of Nephrology, Medical Dermatology Society, Medical Society of Virginia, National Kidney Foundation, Phi Beta Kappa, and Women's Dermatologic Society

Disclosure: Novartis Grant/research funds Consulting; Biolex Grant/research funds sub-investigator

Joel M Gelfand, MD, MSCE  Medical Director, Clinical Studies Unit, Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Associate Scholar, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania

Joel M Gelfand, MD, MSCE is a member of the following medical societies: Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: AMGEN Consulting fee Consulting; AMGEN Grant/research funds Investigator; Genentech Grant/research funds investigator; Centocor Consulting fee Consulting; Abbott Grant/research funds investigator; Abbott Consulting fee Consulting; Novartis investigator; Pfizer Grant/research funds investigator; Celgene Consulting fee DMC Chair; NIAMS and NHLBI Grant/research funds investigator

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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Light micrograph shows neutrophils in the dermal papillae, with fibrin deposition, neutrophil fragments, and edema (hematoxylin and eosin stain).
Papillary microabscesses form and progress to subepidermal vacuolization and vesicle formation in the lamina lucida, the weakest portion of the dermoepidermal junction (hematoxylin and eosin stain).
Classic vesicles of dermatitis herpetiformis.
Immunofluorescence showing immunoglobulin A at the dermoepidermal junction (direct immunofluorescence stain).
Polymorphic lesions on extensor surface of arm.
 
 
 
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