Chronically itchy and irritated skin characterizes eczema, typically localized around the elbows, knees and buttocks. Although both environmental and nutritional elements exacerbate eczema, a long-term study showcased through the U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests that eliminating gluten from your diet can significantly improve the severity of eczema.
Effects
Gluten is found in many different grains, including wheat, and is one of the most common food allergens for humans. When you eat a food to which you are allergic, your body can react with certain side effects. These include breathing difficulties, swelling and itchy skin rashes such as eczema. Individuals severely allergic to gluten will be more prone to chronic eczema than individuals with a more mild allergy.
Potentional Risks
Chronic gluten allergy combined with a severe eczema-like skin condition can be an indication that a more serious underlying condition may exist. Celiac disease is a condition resulting from the body's inability to digest gluten, leading to digestive problems and a severe eczema-like rash. Although similar to eczema, the rash Celiac disease causes is actually Dermatitis Herpetiformis. Dermatitis Herpetiformis mimics eczema in appearance and in symptoms, such as intense itching and a speckled rash around the elbows and knees; however, joint paint and bone loss also occurs.
Gluten Alternatives
Removing gluten from the diet will reduce exposure to gluten allergens, thus helping improve eczema or Dermatitis Herpetiformis. Gluten is highest in wheat and oat products, including breads, pastas, cereals, processed foods and baked goods. Replace wheat or oat flour products with gluten-free alternatives made from spelt or rice. You can find spelt or rice breads, pastas and cereals at any health food store or natural foods market.
Considerations
If you eliminate gluten from your diet and see no improvement in your skin condition, seek consultation from your medical or holistic doctor. She may be able to determine whether you may have an underlying condition, such as Celiac disease, which requires further treatment. Always consult your doctor before eliminating entire food groups from your diet. A sudden change in diet can negatively affect certain medical conditions, including diabetes.
References
- "University of Maryland Medical Center"; Food Allergy; David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz; March 2010
- United States Department of Health and Human Services: Dermatitis Herpetiformis
- "Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine"; The Introduction of Allergenic Foods and the Development of Reported Wheezing and Eczema in Childhood: The Generation R Study; I.I. Tromp; June 2011
