How is dermatitis herpetiformis diagnosed? What tests are done?

How is dermatitis herpetiformis diagnosed? What tests are done?

After examining your bumps and blisters, your healthcare provider may do a skin biopsy and/or blood test to see if you have dermatitis herpetiformis. The tests will help determine if you have this type of dermatitis or a different skin disorder.

• Skin biopsy. Your healthcare provider may take a sample or two of your skin to check for evidence of dermatitis herpetiformis.
• Blood test. There are two antibodies commonly found in people with celiac disease: anti-endomysial and anti-tissue transglutaminase. If you test positive for these antibodies, and if your skin biopsy confirms dermatitis herpetiformis, then you likely have celiac disease. (Some people need to have an intestinal biopsy to confirm celiac disease.)