Gluten is only toxic to celiac patients and patients with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) if ingested. Because gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin, the use of cosmetic and shampoos containing gluten has not been shown to be detrimental to patients with celiac disease or DH. However, we do recommend gluten-free lip products, hand lotions and… Read more »
(Updated .)Keyword: dermatitis herpetiformis
Can celiac disease cause watery blisters on the skin?
Blisters on the skin (part of the dermatitis herpetiformis version of celiac disease) are an inflammatory result due to a deposition of anti-tTG antibodies in the skin. In fact, recent studies have demonstrated that IgA antibodies against epidermal transglutaminase 3 play an important role in the pathogenesis of dermatitis herpetiformis. See Nakajima K. Recent advances… Read more »
(Updated .)Can someone with celiac disease also have pruritic urticarial papules and plaques (PUPPS) during pregnancy?
PUPPS can result from a person who has dermatitis herpetiformis with celiac disease.
(Updated .)Can someone with celiac disease, who didn’t initially have dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), develop it if he/she has continued gluten exposure?
If someone with celiac disease is actually ingesting gluten, he/she could theoretically develop dermatitis herpetiformis later in life.
(Updated .)I’ve had rash patches on my left forearm that itch and burn, but didn’t have the blisters. Could it be dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) even though I don’t have the blisters?
Only a skin biopsy can answer this question.
(Updated .)How quickly do symptoms arise in someone with dermatitis herpetiformis once gluten is ingested?
If gluten is ingested, symptoms in those with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) usually show up within a day or two, although sometimes within hours.
(Updated .)What’s the sequence of events when gluten is consumed for someone with dermatitis herpetiformis?
A person with dermatitis herpetiformis typically breaks out in blisters within hours, though sometimes within 24-48 hours, of ingesting gluten. The elbows, knees, buttocks, scalp and forehead are common areas where breakouts occur.
(Updated .)Does chlorine cause a reaction for those with celiac disease, especially those with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH)?
No such link between the two has been researched or reported.
(Updated .)If I’m on a gluten-free diet, can I still have outbreaks from dermatitis herpetiformis (DH)?
Although a gluten-free diet is the treatment for DH, often the diet alone is not enough. Some DH patients require Dapsone or other medication to help treat it. If a skin biopsy is positive and a strict gluten-free diet isn’t helping, see a knowledgeable dermatologist to discuss additional methods of treatment.
(Updated .)I’m scheduled to have a skin biopsy to screen for celiac disease, should I maintain a gluten-containing diet similar to those who are being screened via blood or intestinal biopsy?
Yes.
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