If you develop red, irritated skin after eating products that contain wheat gluten, you may have an allergy to the protein. Gluten is one of five proteins found in wheat that can trigger an allergic reaction. Gluten is not only found in wheat but also in rye, barley and oats, and these can trigger the same reaction.
About Gluten Allergy
An allergy to wheat gluten is not the same as the condition commonly associated with gluten called celiac disease. Celiac disease is a digestive autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks the lining of the digestive system when gluten is consumed. A gluten allergy is not a digestive condition but rather a hypersensitivity of the immune system to the protein. When you eat wheat gluten, your immune system mistakes the protein for an intruder and overreacts to it by creating immunoglobulin E antibodies. These antibodies trigger a chain reaction throughout the body that cause food allergy symptoms.
Histamines
The result of IgE antibodies in the body is the production of a chemical called histamine. Histamine is a naturally occurring chemical that keeps the body safe from infection. Histamine created in soft tissues causes blood vessels to dilate, which causes increased blood flow to the tissue. More blood flow causes inflammation, swelling and irritation. This chemical release can affect your digestive system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system and skin within minutes of ingesting wheat gluten.
Skin Rashes
The most common skin rashes from an allergic reaction to gluten include hives, eczema and general itching. Hives form in clusters of welts that appear in different shapes and sizes. The welts are red in color, have a flat surface and are extremely itchy. An eczema flare-up can cause dry patches of skin that cause the skin to crack or become brittle. Eczema can also cause fluid-filled bumps to develop that are itchy and can crack, weep and crust over if scratched. General skin itching, irritation and inflammation are common from a gluten allergy.
Treatment
Because gluten is found in a wide range of food products, your doctor and a registered nutritionist will provide you with a strict gluten-free diet. Gluten may be found in cookies, breads, salad dressings, ketchup and ice cream. Allergic skin rashes are primarily treated with an oral antihistamine and topical steroid creams to reduce swelling and itching.
