dermatitis herpetiformis

dermatitis her·pe·ti·for·mis -.hər-pə-tə-'fȯr-məs n chronic dermatitis characterized by eruption of itching papules, vesicles, and lesions resembling hives typically in clusters

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a chronic, relapsing multisystem disease whose primary manifestations are cutaneous, usually seen in light-skinned persons of Northern European extraction in association with celiac disease (q.v.). Characteristics include a symmetrical pruritic eruption with grouped erythematous, eczematous vesicles that upon healing may leave discoloration and sometimes scarring. The cause is unknown, but immunogenetic factors are thought to play a role. Called also Duhring disease.