Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. Celiac disease or gluten intolerance prompts an autoimmune response in the body when you eat foods containing gluten. You may experience a number of symptoms, including gastrointestinal discomfort, gas, bloating and even skin issues. You may experience a condition known as dermatitis herpetiformis, a condition related to celiac disease.
Gluten
Gluten is a protein found in breads, cereals and pastas made from the grains rye, barley or wheat. Ingredients derived from theses grains, such as in the case of malt vinegar, also contain gluten. Ingredients from wheat, barley and rye are challenging to identify as they may have different names, such as "spelt," "graham" or "kamut." Many sauces contain gluten, as do some alcoholic beverages, such as beer. When you are on a gluten-free diet, a list such as the one provided at Mayo.Clinic.com is useful.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a hereditary condition affecting nearly one in every 133 people in the United States. If you have this genetic condition, an autoimmune response occurs once you consume gluten. Typical symptoms include gas, bloating, abdominal cramping, diarrhea and constipation. Some people experience nutritional deficiencies related to celiac disease, particularly if they are left undiagnosed for a period of time. This may result in additional symptoms, such as neuropathy, short-stature, delayed puberty and learning difficulties.
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Dermatitis herpetiformis is a skin condition that may occur with gluten intolerance. The precise cause of this condition is unknown; however, it frequently occurs in those with celiac disease. Skin lesions that are extremely itchy might occur on your elbows, knees, buttocks and back. Your doctor may take a skin biopsy and a direct immunofluorescence test of the skin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Final confirmation of celiac disease as the root cause of your skin lesions might require an intestinal biopsy.
Treatment
The symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis often come and go. Your doctor might prescribe Dapsone, an antibiotic, for your skin. If it is determined that the cause of your skin lesions is, in fact, celiac disease, a strict gluten-free must be followed to prevent further complications of the illness. Complications of this illness include an increased risk of certain cancers of the intestines and thyroid disease, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- E-Celiacs: Dermatitis Herpetiformis
- Gluten-Free Living: Ingredients
- MayoClinic.com: Gluten-Free Diet
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Celiac Disease and Diabetes: What’s the Connection?; Pam Cureton, R.D., L.D.N.
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dermatitis Herpetiformis - All Information; Jonathan Kantor, M.D.
