Who does dermatitis herpetiformis affect? Who is at risk?

Who does dermatitis herpetiformis affect? Who is at risk?

Dermatitis herpetiformis can affect anyone at any age. However, it is most likely to affect people between the ages of 30 and 40. You’re more likely to have it if you’re of northern European descent, and men commonly get it more often than women. Men are also more likely than women to have oral or genital problems.

You’re at a slightly higher risk – five percent – if you have a first relative who has dermatitis herpetiformis or celiac disease. Many people with dermatitis herpetiformis also see autoimmune diseases in their families. Those diseases include pernicious anemia, thyroid disease, vitiligo, type 1 diabetes, alopecia areata and Addison’s disease.