All are true about Dermatitis herpetiformis EXCEPT:
**Core Concept**
Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a chronic, blistering skin condition characterized by intensely itchy, papulovesicular lesions. It is closely associated with gluten-sensitive enteropathy and is considered a cutaneous manifestation of celiac disease.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The lesions in dermatitis herpetiformis are not characterized by epidermal bullae. Instead, they typically present as intensely itchy, grouped, small, follicular papules or vesicles. The bullae in DH are actually subepidermal, resulting from the separation of the dermal papillae from the epidermis due to the accumulation of IgA deposits. This separation leads to the formation of a subepidermal blister.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The lesions in DH are indeed intensely itchy, which is a hallmark symptom of the condition. Intense pruritus often precedes the appearance of the characteristic skin lesions.
**Option C:** IgA deposits are found in the papillary tips of the dermis in DH, playing a key role in the pathogenesis of the condition. These deposits lead to the activation of complement and the release of pro-inflammatory mediators.
**Option D:** DH is indeed closely associated with gluten-sensitive enteropathy and is considered a cutaneous manifestation of celiac disease. Patients with DH often have underlying gluten-sensitive enteropathy, and the skin lesions typically improve with a gluten-free diet.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
DH is often confused with other blistering skin conditions, such as bullous pemphigoid. However, DH is typically characterized by intensely itchy, small, grouped papules or vesicles, whereas bullous pemphigoid presents with larger, tense bullae. A biopsy showing subepidermal bullae and IgA deposits in the papillary tips can help differentiate DH from other blistering skin conditions.
**β Correct Answer: B. Lesions have epidermal bullae**