MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the thumb

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Dermatitis, herpetiformis on the thumb

This picture shows the thumb of a person with a chronic inflammatory disease known as dermatitis herpetiformis. It produces red, raised (papular), small or large blisters (vesicles or bullae) that burn and itch intensely. Dermatitis herpetiformis develops suddenly, lasts for weeks to months, and may be associated with digestive diseases (such as Celiac disease).

Update Date: 4/28/2006

Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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