Dermatitis Herpetiformis Diet: What to Eat and What to Skip

If you have dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), the biggest thing you can do for your skin is watch what you eat. DH is a rash that shows up when your body reacts to gluten, the protein in wheat, barley, and rye. Cutting out gluten isn’t a suggestion – it’s a must if you want the bumps to calm down.

Most people with DH also have celiac disease, even if they don’t feel typical stomach problems. That means the same strict gluten‑free diet that helps celiac patients will help you, too. The good news? Once you make the change, many see skin improvement in weeks.

Why Gluten Triggers DH

Gluten breaks down into tiny pieces called gliadin. In DH, your immune system thinks gliadin is an enemy and creates antibodies. Those antibodies travel to the skin and cause the itchy, bumpy rash. If you keep eating gluten, the antibodies keep being made, and the rash won’t go away.

Even tiny amounts can cause a flare‑up. That’s why reading labels and avoiding cross‑contamination are crucial. A single bite of a loaf of bread or a bite of pizza crust can set off a new rash.

Practical Gluten‑Free Food List

Here’s a quick cheat‑sheet of foods that are naturally gluten‑free:

• Fruits and vegetables – fresh or frozen (no sauces with wheat).
• Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs – plain, not breaded or marinated with soy sauce.
• Legumes – beans, lentils, chickpeas.
• Whole grains like rice, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, and certified gluten‑free oats.
• Dairy – milk, cheese, yogurt (check flavored varieties).
• Nut butters, seeds, and nuts – watch for added wheat starch.

When you shop, look for the “gluten‑free” label. It means the product contains less than 20 ppm of gluten, which is safe for most DH patients.

Don’t forget hidden sources. Soy sauce, salad dressings, soups, and even some candy can have wheat. Use gluten‑free soy sauce (or tamari) and check the ingredient list for barley malt, wheat starch, or rye.

Cross‑contamination happens in kitchens that also handle regular flour. Keep a separate cutting board, toaster, and storage containers for gluten‑free foods. If you eat out, tell the staff you need a completely gluten‑free meal and ask about how they prevent cross‑contact.

Some people find that adding a daily probiotic or a vitamin D supplement helps the skin heal faster, but talk to your doctor before starting anything new.

To make meal planning easier, pick a few go‑to dishes: grilled chicken with quinoa, stir‑fried veggies with rice, or a bean chili topped with avocado. Cook in bulk on weekends, then reheat during the week. This saves time and cuts down on the temptation to grab a quick, gluten‑laden snack.

Stick to the plan, read every label, and keep your kitchen gluten‑free. Within a month or two, most people see their rash lighten up and itching drop. If you still have flare‑ups, check with your doctor – you might need a stricter approach or a probiotic trial.

Remember, the diet is the most powerful tool you have against dermatitis herpetiformis. It may feel demanding at first, but the skin relief and overall health boost are worth the effort.