<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Dr. Horvath, I saw your recent note on the use of serological tests in celiac disease in this mailing list. I am interested in your thoughts and input on my situation. I have just been diagnosed with dermatitis herpetiformes. My questions are as follows: (1) Should I see my GI for diagnosis as to celiac? I have no symptoms of celiac, so far as I know (i.e., no stomach problems of any kind). (2) If I do set up an appointment with my GI, what diagnostic tests should I expect if he is competent to diagnose this rather rare disease? (3) If celiac is diagnosed, what is the treatment? I assume that it is a gluten free diet, which is the recommended treatment for DH (along with dapsone therapy). If I simply go on a gluten free diet but do not go through the diagnostic procedures to confirm celiac, what additional risks am I running? (4) If I do not have the specific diagnostic tests for celiac and continue on a gluten free diet, what symptoms could arise which would lead me to conclude that I may have celiac disease requiring some treatment other than the GF diet? (5) If I elect to, or cannot, stay on the gluten free diet, what is the risk assuming that I do have celiac disease? I have seen the literature reflecting an increased risk of cancer (6-8% are the figures that I have seen), but what other risks/problems occur with celiac disease? Thank you very much for any help in answering these questions for me. Regards, Paul -- Paul Sinclair [log in to unmask] Richmond, Virginia