Associated conditions

Dermatitis herpetiformis is a skin condition that affects approx 1 in 10,000. All patients with dermatitis herpetiformis have some degree of coeliac disease. It is treated by a gluten-free diet although many patients will also require initial treatment with medication such as Dapsone.

Coeliac disease is associated with an increased risk of developing a number of other conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease and a number of autoimmune conditions.

Some people who are diagnosed with coeliac disease suffer from a secondary lactose intolerance, caused by the gut damage. Usually this is a temporary problem and resolves upon gut healing.

Whilst autism spectrum disorder is not associated with coeliac disease many people are now turning to a gluten- and casein-free diet as a treatment. There is little evidence other than anecdotal to support this kind of treatment.