Buccal mucosa immunofluorescence in coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis

The buccal mucosa in both coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis behaves in the same manner as the skin with regard to immunofluorescence. The simple technique of buccal punch biopsy can be used to give further confirmation of the diagnosis of dermatitis herpetiformis and, especially in patients with an equivocal diagnosis, may prove easier than carrying out repeated skin biopsies.