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My question is regarding an iodine patch used for diagnosing DH.  I won't go in to great detail about my past year of seeing 3 different Dermatologists and the intense itching - with a different diagnosis from each Dermatologist and various treatments that have not worked.  For about 4 months I have believed that I have DH. I even asked the Dr. at the University Hospital in my state to check me for it 4 weeks ago - but he did not think that I had DH by the appearance of my rash, and mostly because it was not on my buttocks (it is now!)  He also said that I didn't have a blister at the time and he would need a blister to do a biopsy.  In reading some of the archives of this list, I learned about the iodine patch.  I thought that perhaps I could do an iodine patch on myself to see what happened. The Drs. currently have me on 2 different medications that make me quite drowsy, so if my diagnoses is DH, I could stop taking these medications.  I went to the store today, bought a bottle of tincture of iodine - it didn't list the strength, but said "concentrated iodine solution."  I put some on a bandaide and put the bandaide on my upper leg. I could only stand it on for about 15 minutes - it immediately began burning.  It has been an hour now since I have taken it off - I washed the area with soap and cool water immediately and a few more times, and have kept ice on the area since then. It is very red around the iodine stain and still feels like it is burning.  Is this what I should expect as a positive reaction?  I don't know what I was expecting, but am feeling really foolish at the moment, for dabbling with this by myself at home. I am just so desperate for some relief from this itchy rash that doesn't even let me sleep.  Has anyone else done the iodine patch at home - or has anyone had one from a Dr.?  If so, what was the reaction like?  And how long before the burning stops?

Thank you so much for your help.  Sorry to be so wordy.

Mary

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