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Eczema arises in response to various allergies, whereas dermatitis herpetiformis occurs because of a severe gluten intolerance. Both conditions may lead to an itchy rash, raised skin, and redness or other discoloration. However, doctors treat them in different ways. This article explores dermatitis herpetiformis and eczema in more detail, including their symptoms, causes, and treatments. It also explains when to consult a doctor. What are dermatitis herpetiformis and eczema Share on PinterestMaksim Semencov/EyeEm/Getty ImagesThis section provides a brief overview of both conditions. Dermatitis herpetiformis Dermatitis herpetiformis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects about 10% of people with celiac disease. Autoimmune means that a person’s immune system mistakenly treats some of their body’s own cells like invading pathogens. Dermatitis herpetiformis affects the skin. Eczema Eczema is also a chronic condition that affects a person’s skin. It leads to a damaged outer skin barrier, which makes people more likely to develop skin infections. It can also cause dry skin. Comparison table This table compares some key symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis and eczema, marking those that occur with a cross. EczemaDermatitis herpetiformisredness, in people with light skinXXitchingXXraised skin, or papulesXXdry skinXthick patches of skinXblisteringXXskin plaquesXchanges in skin pigmentationXskin lesions XXred or purple spotsX Symptoms Eczema and dermatitis herpetiformis have a few common symptoms. However, overall, the conditions present rather differently. Dermatitis herpetiformis Some of the main symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis include:blisteringredness, in light skinextremely itchy skinraised skinskin lesions due to picking at the skinred or purple spots on the palms or soles Healthcare professionals characterize dermatitis herpetiformis by the specific areas of the skin that it typically affects. The rash often forms on skin surfaces that exist outside of a joint. Some common sites of dermatitis herpetiformis include:elbowskneesbuttocksscalp Some people with dermatitis herpetiformis also experience dental problems, such as enamel pits. Eczema Eczema has various possible symptoms, which include:a rashitchy skinraised skinthick skinblistering As a paper in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology explains, eczema presents somewhat differently in different skin tones. For instance, in people with light skin, eczema is likely to present with redness and skin plaques. These symptoms are less common in people with dark skin, who are more likely to experience papules, skin thickening, and changes in skin pigmentation. Learn more about eczema on skin of color. Causes The causes of eczema and dermatitis herpetiformis also differ. Dermatitis herpetiformis Dermatitis herpetiformis forms as a result of gluten hypersensitivity. Scientists consider dermatitis herpetiformis to be a manifestation of celiac disease. Researchers have not determined the exact cause of dermatitis herpetiformis. However, there is evidence that genetics play an important role. Some genetic mutations make it harder for the body to process gluten. Eczema Although researchers remain uncertain about the exact causes of eczema, several factors are likely to play a role, including:certain genetic mutationsinflammation associated with immune system responses to various triggers low production of skin barrier proteins Eczema is a chronic condition that can suddenly worsen. Eczema flare-ups often occur in response to external triggers. Common eczema triggers include:high humidityhigh heatdust mitescertain foods, such as fish, soy, and milksome chemicals and irritants, including soapssome fabrics, such as acrylic and woolstressinfection Eczema flare-ups may also arise for no apparent reason. Treatment Doctors treat eczema and dermatitis herpetiformis in different ways. Dermatitis herpetiformis According to research, a gluten-free diet is essential for treating dermatitis herpetiformis. By strictly keeping to this diet, people may eventually experience no symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis. However, it is important to note that the symptoms may persist for some years, even with a strict gluten-free diet. During this time, doctors may recommend medications to help manage the symptoms. A common drug is dapsone (Aczone), which individuals with dermatitis herpetiformis may take once a day following a doctor’s advice. Eczema Eczema is an incurable condition. However, researchers have found that people can manage the symptoms. This often involves several strategies:identifying and avoiding eczema triggers, which reduces the likelihood of flare-upstopical anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the severity of eczema flare-upsother medications, including oral Janus kinase inhibitors and biologics, such as dupilumab (Dupixent) and tralokinumab-ldrm (Adbry)using a fragrance-free moisturizer to hydrate the skin daily A healthcare professional may also recommend different medications and treatments depending on the severity of a person’s eczema. When to speak with a doctor Effective treatment requires an accurate diagnosis. Anyone with symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis or eczema should seek a doctor’s advice. Dermatitis herpetiformis A gluten-free diet is an important part of treating celiac disease, which is when gluten hypersensitivity leads to intestinal problems. Dermatitis herpetiformis results from gluten hypersensitivity. If a gluten-free diet is not effective, a healthcare professional may recommend taking medication to help manage the symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis. The options may include topical steroids. Eczema Research has shown that eczema is a risk factor for other atopic conditions. These conditions occur in response to allergens. People with eczema have a 50% chance of developing asthma. They also have a 75% chance of developing hay fever. As eczema damages the skin, people with this condition are more likely to develop skin infections. In rare cases, some of these infections can be serious. For instance, eczema herpeticum and eczema cosackium infections are potentially life threatening. Learn more about infected eczema. Frequently asked questions Below are answers to some of the most common questions about dermatitis herpetiformis and eczema. Does dermatitis herpetiformis look like eczema They can look similar. For example, both conditions can cause red or discolored patches and raised skin. Is eczema a symptom of celiac disease No, eczema is not a symptom of celiac disease. Dermatitis herpetiformis, which is similar to eczema, is a skin manifestation of celiac disease. How long does it take for dermatitis herpetiformis to clear up With a gluten-free diet, dermatitis herpetiformis may resolve within several months. However, in some cases, the condition can last for a few years. Summary Dermatitis herpetiformis and eczema are chronic skin conditions that can cause itchy skin. However, whereas eczema can arise in response to several triggering factors, dermatitis herpetiformis is always due to gluten hypersensitivity. A person should speak with a doctor if they think that they may have eczema or dermatitis herpetiformis. The doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Last medically reviewed on September 15, 2022DermatologyFood IntoleranceAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaNutrition / Diet 8 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Dermatitis herpetiformis. (2014).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/professionals/clinical-tools-patient-management/digestive-diseases/dermatitis-herpetiformisKim, J., et al. (2019). Pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis: Clinical implications.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6399565/Mirza, H. A., et al. (2022). Dermatitis herpetiformis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493163/Nemeth, V., et al. (2021). Eczema.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538209/Nguyen, C. N., et al. (2021). Dermatitis herpetiformis: An update on diagnosis, disease monitoring, and management.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8400185/Posner, E. B., et al. (2022). Celiac disease.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441900/Sangha, A. M. (2021). Dermatological conditions in skin of color-: Managing atopic dermatitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8211323/Stanway, A. (2004). Causes of atopic dermatitis.https://dermnetnz.org/topics/causes-of-atopic-dermatitisFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C — By Mathieu Rees on September 15, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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