Celiac disease is also known as celiac sprue, non-tropical sprue, gluten-sensitive enteropathy and gluten intolerance. Celiac disease is a chronic inherited autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive process of the small intestine in the presence of gluten. When a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, a form of protein found in wheat, barley and rye, the surface of the small intestine becomes damaged and prevents the proper absorption of nutrients which can lead to malnourishment and other serious illnesses. The only known effective treatment for celiac disease is to follow a strict gluten-free diet.
Dermatitis Herpetiformis is another form of celiac disease that presents itself as a chronic skin condition and is characterized by an intense burning, blistering, itchy rash. The most effective treatment for dermatitis herpetiformis is adhering to a strict gluten-free diet.
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