Disodium cromoglycate in dermatitis herpetiformis

Eleven patients with dermatitis herpetiformis, all requiring dapsone to control their rash and taking a normal diet, were given disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) 1.5-1.6 g daily. Eight out of the eleven patients continued to take DSCG for periods varying from 6-11 months, the other three patients chose to discontinue the DSCG before 6 months. Of the eight patients taking DSCG for at least 6 months, none was able to stop taking dapsone. In three of the eight, the dapsone requirements were unaltered, whilst in two it decreased and in three it increased. The mean daily dose of dapsone was 105 mg/day before DSCG and 141 mg/day after DSCG. In the eight patients who took DSCG for at least 6 months, intestinal biopsies were performed before and after this drug. The macroscopic appearance was unchanged in four, improved in two and worse in two. The mean interepithelial lymphocyte count was 346 before and 342 after DSG.