Eczema isn't caused by intolerances to food compounds, such as gluten or lactose. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is more often linked to genetics and environment than almost anything else. This isn't to say that an intolerance to gluten can't cause a reaction along the surface of the skin, but it's not likely eczema. The term, "gluten intolerance" can refer to minor symptoms, which occur when a person is merely intolerant to grain-based foods that contain the protein gluten, to celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that prevents the gastrointestinal system from properly absorbing nutrients.
Dermatitis
Although rare, people with celiac disease can suffer a skin reaction when they ingest gluten. Although it may mimic eczema in its appearance, the reaction is actually dermatitis herpetiformis, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Dermatitis herpetiformis primarily manifests as an itchy rash, but may also cause bumps or blisters to develop on the back, buttocks, elbows and knees.
Development
The cause of dermatitis herpetiformis isn't well understood. But like celiac disease, it's thought to be the result of an overreaction by the immune system when exposed to gluten. When eating anything that contains gluten, your immune system adversely responds by attacking the body, namely the intestinal tract. This not only leads to symptoms of the condition, but it also causes damage to the villi that line the small intestine, which can then cause malabsorption of other nutrients found in food.
Diet
Treating both gluten intolerance and dermatitis herpetiformis begins with diet. You must avoid all foods containing gluten. Although most packaging lists gluten as a potential ingredient, anything made with barley, rye, wheat, durham, bulgur, spelt, triticale, farina and semolina can be problematic for you. Always read food labels before purchasing any food item.
Treatment
Unlike eczema, which often responds favorably to corticosteroids, antihistamines and immunomodulators, you'll need to take dapsone, an antibiotic, to relieve this form of dermatitis. If left untreated, you actually increase the risk of intestinal cancer, cautions the National Institutes of Health. Although dietary supplements can't improve dermatitis herpetiformis, it isn't uncommon for people with celiac disease to require the supplementation of calcium, folate, iron and vitamins B-12, D and K, notes MayoClinic.com. This is largely due to nutritional deficiencies that can accompany this form of food intolerance. You may also need an anti-inflammatory to reduce the inflammation along the intestinal tract that can occur with this condition. Talk to your doctor to determine what other measures to take to improve gluten intolerance and dermatitis herpetiformis.
References
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; Atopic Dermatitis; September 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Atopic Dermatitis; August 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Celiac Disease; December 2010
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Celiac Disease; September 2008
- PubMed Health; Dermatitis Herpetiformis; April 2009
- Des Moines University Clinic: What is Gluten Intolerance?
