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.
Research shows that a growing number of coeliac disease diagnoses are occurring in people over 65. While older adults may experience symptoms similar to younger individuals, such as iron deficiency anaemia, weight loss, and persistent diarrhoea, some symptoms may look somewhat different. These can include autoimmune disorders, increased fracture risk (osteoporosis), lymphoma, and heart disease […]
In the final of our nutrition series – we look at calcium. Every move we make, every step we take, has a connection with calcium – how? In our bones and teeth. 99% of all the calcium in our body is stored in our bones and teeth. Calcium also helps support heart health, nerve functioning […]
Coeliac disease and gluten sensitivity are significant health concerns in New Zealand and Europe. In New Zealand, around 1 in 70 people have coeliac disease, though many remain undiagnosed. Europe has seen similar rates, with up to 1% of the population affected in some countries. The growing demand for gluten-free products reflects the importance of […]