The treatment for DH is a life-long gluten free diet. Although this is effective in the long-term, it can take an average of two years for it to take full effect, so drug treatment may also be recommended to begin with. The most commonly prescribed drug for DH is Dapsone. This will help control the itching and development of blisters, although the rash will come back if you stop taking it before the gluten free diet has taken effect.
For further information, please download our pdf on Dermatitis Herpetiformis.
As with coeliac disease, DH is also associated with an increased risk of other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease or Type 1 diabetes. The complications that occur in coeliac disease can also occur in DH: these include osteoporosis and certain types of small bowel cancer. Once you have been following the gluten free diet for some time, the risk of osteoporosis is reduced and the risk of cancer becomes the same as someone who doesn’t have coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis.
This information is for guidance only and should not replace advice given by your medical professional
Support your charity – the only not-for-profit supporting Kiwis with coeliac disease. Become part of Coeliac New Zealand now.
Volunteering is a great way to grow your community and share your knowledge with others.
Find out how.
Help us reach more people who are suffering from coeliac disease. Contribute to the greater good of your community.
We are always on the look-out for passionate people interested in raising funds and building awareness about coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is treated by a life-long gluten free diet. By specifically removing the cause of the disease, this treatment allows all abnormalities to recover completely. As long as the diet is adhered to strictly, patients can recover.
An initial few weeks on both a gluten/lactose free diet will allow the bowel lining to replace its 'lactase' enzyme quantities, which digest lactose sugar prior to absorption. This may take longer for some individuals than others.
About Coeliac New Zealand
Your partner in
healthy living
Coeliac New Zealand is available throughout your journey. As part of our community, you’ll get support, advice, and assistance. We work with health professionals, manufacturers, and researchers to raise awareness of coeliac disease in NZ.
Together, we can reach a day when every person with coeliac disease gets diagnosed quickly, lives a healthy life, and has the prospect of a cure.
A deliciously simple baked dessert you can whip up in minutes. This versatile fruit bake is the perfect answer when you're needing a quick dessert or gluten free option to take to a gathering. The gluten-free pancake mix creates a tender, cake-like base that pairs beautifully with your choice of seasonal fruit. Whether you prefer […]
This Cherry Chocolate Tart is a show-stopping dessert made with Bakels Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Baking Mix. Featuring layers of rich chocolate mousse, whipped cream, and sweet cherry compote, it’s a perfect blend of indulgence and simplicity, free from gluten but full of flavour. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or just love a good […]
Coeliac Awareness Week is back, and this year, My Food Bag and Griffin’s are teaming up to celebrate the unique experiences of the Coeliac community. Under the theme “Coeliac is Different for Every Body,” the two brands are using this week to highlight the challenges of living gluten-free, while offering exciting new products that will […]
