Immunoglobulines in Dermatitis Herpetiformis and Various Other Skin Diseases

SUMMARY.— Lowering of the mean IgM‐globulin value and elevation of the mean IgA‐globulin value were noted in a group of 21 patients with dermatitis herpetiformis. IgM levels determined before and after dapsone therapy revealed no clear evidence of a dapsone effect on this immunoglobulin. No relationship was noted between the IgM‐globulin levels and the intestinal mucosa biopsy grading. Fluctuations in the IgM values were noted and in some patients a fall in this immunoglobulin occurred during an exacerbation the disease. Immunoglobulin patterns were studied in 7 other skin diseases. The abnormalities noted in psoriasis closely paralleled those found in dermatitis herpetiformis.