Childhood dermatitis herpetiformis: an unusual presentation

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