Childhood dermatitis herpetiformis: an unusual presentation

Childhood dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is rare. The true prevalence and incidence of this condition are unknown. We report a 7-year-old boy presenting with nonpruritic inflammatory papules on the buttocks and extensor surfaces, clinico-pathologically consistent with Sweet's neutrophilic dermatosis. Immunofluorescence studies showed IgA deposits in the dermal papillae consistent with DH. Remission was achieved with a gluten-free diet and dapsone. Childhood DH may present different clinical signs to the adult form and misdiagnosis can occur if immunofluorescence is not requested on skin biopsy.