When you think of gluten intolerance, symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, malnutrition and weight loss may come to mind. In some people, gluten intolerance manifests as an extremely uncomfortable skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis. This rash causes extreme itching and burning and is sometimes referred to as celiac disease of the skin. Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye and any product containing traces of these ingredients.
Characteristics
The rash usually begins as a set of small red bumps with tiny blisters on top. As you itch, you break open these blisters. As the blisters heal, they crust over and can cause skin discoloration. The most common sites for the rash are the elbows, knees, butt, back of the neck and scalp, but they can occur almost anywhere, including at the hairline and even in the mouth.
Treatment
The only treatment for dermatitis herpetiformis is a strict gluten-free diet. Any trace of gluten, even a crumb of bread, can cause the rash to erupt. A doctor may prescribe sulfa-based medication to treat serious cases. As symptoms subside with the gluten-free diet, reliance on these medications does as well.
Considerations
In some cases, gluten is not the only cause of the rash. Iodine, found in shellfish and table salt, can also be a problem, along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs found in over-the-counter pain and fever medications and kelp. Without treatment from a gluten-free diet, the associated celiac disease can lead to cancer of the intestines.
Misconceptions
The rash looks similar to herpes, so it is sometimes mistakenly assumed that dermatitis herpetiformis is caused by the herpes virus. The two conditions have absolutely no connection, however. Only about 20 percent of people with dermatitis herpetiformis have intestinal symptoms, reports Danna Korn in "Living Gluten-Free for Dummies." If you have the rash, you are at risk of developing intestinal symptoms at any time.
References
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Dermatitis Herpetiformis
- "Living Gluten-free for Dummies"; Danna Korn; 2006
- The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center: Symptoms
