Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Severe Itching After Taking Baths..

aeshlea

By aeshlea
in Related Issues & Disorders

Recommended Posts

aeshlea Apprentice
aeshlea
Posted

So..I was just recently diagnosed as having a wheat intolerance. I am new to the forum and so thankful for the help I have received about the questions I have posted. I was lying in bed tonight after a bath and my feet were itching like crazy, also my palms a little. This is not new for me...for a long time I have had to be careful with how long I take baths for, or at least how long I let my feet and hands soak, because RIGHT after I get out I have crazy painful itching on them. It lasts anywhere between 10-30mins...depending on if I let myself itch or not. Nothing actually changes with the skin itself...maybe red from the itching...but no hives or anything like that. So as I have recently tested positive for wheat intolerance I thought 'Hell, this could have something to do with that maybe' so I looked it up and a found a few random things about people having this (I think its called aquagenic pruritis?) and it being related to celiac disease. I am wondering if any of you out there have experienced this??

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

I used to get this effect also and it would also involve my lower legs, but it was secondary to the 'about to pass out effect' that I would get from a hot bath.

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

I used to have this terribly before I was gluten-free, but going gluten-free didn't totally stop it. Even the shower spray on my skin would begin the burn/itching.

I also switched laundry detergents--I use Purex Free and Clear. I use very mild soaps and gluten-free shampoo and lotion.

Also, I had other food sensitivites, and figuring out what they were (through elimination diet) and avoiding them has also helped. Since you're intolerant to wheat, it's quite possible that you may have other intolerances.

My skin is still much more sensitive than it once was, but I don't get the awful itching anymore unless accidently glutened. Then, I will get it especially on my upper arms and legs.

  • 4 weeks later...
yukionna Newbie
yukionna
Posted

Hi Aeshlea,

just saw your post and thought I'd give my two cents..

I've had problems with itchy skin for ages and tried just about anything to find out what's causing it. My dermatologist says, it's something that accompanies chronical deseases and they don't really know why. I observed that it's worse when my immunesystem seems to be busy, eg when I'm developing a cold, or the week before my period starts. Stress is always a big influence, and yes, hot showers and baths make it worse. What helps is to cool the skin, you know those jelly packs you can keep in the fridge, stuff like that.

Iris

Guest swezzan
Guest swezzan
Posted

:) Hi there,

I know this might seem simply to your question about being itchy after bathing but how u considered that that shampoo u use might have a derivative of a wheat protein in it or even what you use as an additive to the bath water would do it.

For some just feeling the gluten on their skin causes a reaction. One does not notice the connection until u stay away from it for a while.

It took me the better part of a yr to realize that my shampoo had wheat protein, as most do, and it was causing the itch, dandruff, and my hair falling out. Good luck swezzan

TestyTommy Rookie
TestyTommy
Posted

I have really dry skin, too. It was one of my first symptoms when I got sick years ago. It's improved since being gluten-free, but it's not gone. One doctor I saw said it's caused by 'activated mast cells'. Mast cells are part of the immune system and located in the lower layer of skin. They produce antibodies.

It helps to keep your showers short and then immediately use lotion while your skin is still damp. I'm very sensitive to fragrances, so I like to use Kiss My Face's Olive & Aloe. Lubriderm for sensitive skin is okay, too.

Dandelion Contributor
Dandelion
Posted

I remember reading in a magazine that when you take a hot shower or bath the hot water cause a large amount of histamine to rush to the skin surface making it temporarily itch more. Maybe soaking in the bath is causing this for you? If I find the link I will post it.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Fiddle-Faddle Community Regular
Fiddle-Faddle
Posted

Two thoughts:

1) Are you using oatmeal baths? Oatmeal is NOT good for celiacs! Besides for a huge amount of cross-contamination with wheat, it also contains a protein that is molecularly similar to gluten, and many celiacs react to it.

2) What you have might actually be dermatitis herpetiformis, which ONLY celiacs get (and it's horribly itchy). You can be celiac and not have DH, but if you have DH, you definitely have celiac. Baths seem to make it worse, for some reason, but I don't know why.

  • 6 months later...
karenleigh Newbie
karenleigh
Posted

I also have intolerable itching on my feet and somtimes on the palms of my hands after a bath.

I have severe seasonal allergies and am very allergic to raw apples and hazelnuts.

Maybe i also have a wheat intolerance. I have never met anyone else with these symptoms.

I ususally put gold bond powder on my feet and cover them with socks. This helps a bit.

I love to take baths and it is ssssoooo annoying.... :(

babysteps Contributor
babysteps
Posted
I have really dry skin, too. It was one of my first symptoms when I got sick years ago. It's improved since being gluten-free, but it's not gone. One doctor I saw said it's caused by 'activated mast cells'. Mast cells are part of the immune system and located in the lower layer of skin. They produce antibodies.

It helps to keep your showers short and then immediately use lotion while your skin is still damp. I'm very sensitive to fragrances, so I like to use Kiss My Face's Olive & Aloe. Lubriderm for sensitive skin is okay, too.

I'm sensitive to fragrance, too.

Once I went to gluten-free and fragrance free personal care products (soap, detergent, shampoo, deodorant, lotion etc) my skin got much less 'cranky', or at least cranky a lot less of the time! For whatever reason I didn't go to fragrance free shampoo until much later than my other items, I guess I didn't think it was as much of a problem - but when I did, wow, big difference for me.

  • 3 weeks later...
fedora Enthusiast
fedora
Posted

I wanted to bring this post back up. I usually shower, but when I take a bath I get head itching in the middle of the night. I use the exact same products(all gluten free). I shower first. Then I soak in a clean bath. This last time I even rinsed off my head again after getting out. I still itched like crazy. It is the lower half of the back of my head. Not my neck at all. Any opinions on why it would be just my head???

Aleshia Contributor
Aleshia
Posted
So..I was just recently diagnosed as having a wheat intolerance. I am new to the forum and so thankful for the help I have received about the questions I have posted. I was lying in bed tonight after a bath and my feet were itching like crazy, also my palms a little. This is not new for me...for a long time I have had to be careful with how long I take baths for, or at least how long I let my feet and hands soak, because RIGHT after I get out I have crazy painful itching on them. It lasts anywhere between 10-30mins...depending on if I let myself itch or not. Nothing actually changes with the skin itself...maybe red from the itching...but no hives or anything like that. So as I have recently tested positive for wheat intolerance I thought 'Hell, this could have something to do with that maybe' so I looked it up and a found a few random things about people having this (I think its called aquagenic pruritis?) and it being related to celiac disease. I am wondering if any of you out there have experienced this??

I get this. its not just on my hands and feet though... its everywhere! worst on my face and neck. I get it after a shower. my naturopath said it is yeast related. and I know a lot of celiacs seem to have yeast/candida problems in their gut....

darlindeb25 Collaborator
darlindeb25
Posted

Does this ever bring back memories!!!! :( My sister and I both had this, except on our legs, before going gluten free. We lived in rural Michigan, she still does. In rural areas, you have your own wells, if you dont have a water softener and condition your own water, this itching is even worse!!! 30 mins would have been a relief!!! After going gluten free, the itching did slowly ease up, now it only happens if I use a product with gluten or some other grain in it.

ShayFL Enthusiast
ShayFL
Posted

Having neurological issues, I can say that "itching" can have to do with nerves. If they are stimulated by something such as water pressure or heat, all sorts of strange reactions can occur. I get the itching. If I turn on the electric blanket in the winter I itch like mad. I dont take baths in as long as I can remember. I know I dont like the shower "hot". Tepid even in winter and this keeps the itching down a lot.

AndrewNYC Explorer
AndrewNYC
Posted

You might be allergic to water. I recommend you carry an umbrella at all times.

debmidge Rising Star
debmidge
Posted

I am thinking it's something in your soap - read the ingredients "Aveno" or words which

look this this mean "oats". Again, you might not be sensitive to oat, but we know that

regular oats are harvested with wheat, etc. and there could be cross contamination getting

to you. Or fragrance allergy issues.

I know when I use Paul Mitchell stuff my head, neck & shoulders get very itchy.

NicoleAJ Enthusiast
NicoleAJ
Posted

I get this too, and it is not better gluten-free then it was before I went gluten-free. I use all non-scented products and I try not to take baths anymore even though I love them. My husband catches me even scratching in my sleep. Sometimes I end up scarring from the scratching, but not much that I do actually makes the itching any better. I've never considered this a celiac issue since it is no better since going gluten free, but it sure is annoying.

elonwy Enthusiast
elonwy
Posted

I have had severe itching my whole life and its gotten worse even as I've gone gluten free. Showers and hot water tend to make it worse. I just finally went to an allergist and it turns out I'm really allergic to quite a few things. When I take a hard core antihistamine, my itching goes away. Since I'm allergic to dust mites and cockroaches (indoors) and pines/juniper/Cedar/Spruce (outdoors in most parts of N. America) I've decided to start immunotherapy. But anyway, it could just be straight old allergies.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. DebD5
      - DebD5 commented on Scott Adams's article in Spring 2026 Issue
      3

      The Dark Side of Gluten-Free: Counterfeit Labels and Global Food Safety Failures

      Interestingly enough, while I hear you. I completely disagree. Gluten has not been 100% removed. There’s still trace amounts under the regulated amount per millions allowed. I gave only figured out in the last year, while reading chats on this site, of other celiacs still having issues and how they figured it out. If enough companies allow slight amounts o...
    2. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams commented on Scott Adams's article in Spring 2026 Issue
      3

      The Dark Side of Gluten-Free: Counterfeit Labels and Global Food Safety Failures

      I understand why that feels frustrating, because the labeling can definitely seem confusing. In the case of products like King Arthur’s gluten-free bread flour that contain gluten-free wheat starch, the wheat starch has been specially processed to remove the gluten proteins that trigger celiac disease. Because it originates from wheat, U.S. labeling laws s...
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Jmartes71's topic in Doctors
      7

      Second chance

      I'm not sure why "colonoscopy" keeps coming up for you, again it would be an endoscopy to diagnose celiac disease, but it seems that Kaiser should still have your records. If you were diagnosed by them in the 1990's using a blood test and endoscopy, then you definitely have celiac disease, and hopefully you've been gluten-free since that time. You should...
    4. Russ H
      - Russ H replied to EssexMum's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      3

      Concerning GP advice

      This sounds like a GP who is ignorant regarding coeliac disease. The risk with consuming gluten for several days is that it triggers the coeliac immune response, leading to raised auto-antibodies and active disease for several months. People may not even be aware of symptoms during this process, but it is causing damage to the body. As trents has said, the...
    5. DebD5
      - DebD5 commented on Scott Adams's article in Spring 2026 Issue
      3

      The Dark Side of Gluten-Free: Counterfeit Labels and Global Food Safety Failures

      Exactly. What about King Arthur gluten free flour selling a gluten free bread flour containing “gluten free wheat starch” and says in allergens “contains wheat.” I don’t care if it contains a trace amount of wheat ok’ed by the food industry. For a celiac…100% gluten free and that’s all is acceptable. Hard alcohols and ciders and hard seltzers say gluten free...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,647
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Rosannerosannadanna
    Newest Member
    Rosannerosannadanna
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Second chance

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I'm not sure why "colonoscopy" keeps coming up for you, again it would be an endoscopy to diagnose celiac disease, but it seems that Kaiser should still have your records. If you were diagnosed by them in the 1990's using a blood test and endoscopy, then you definitely have celiac disease, and hopefully you've been gluten-free since that time. You should be able to contact Kaiser for those records.
    • Russ H
      Concerning GP advice

      By Russ H · Posted

      This sounds like a GP who is ignorant regarding coeliac disease. The risk with consuming gluten for several days is that it triggers the coeliac immune response, leading to raised auto-antibodies and active disease for several months. People may not even be aware of symptoms during this process, but it is causing damage to the body. As trents has said, the gut lining normally recovers on a strict gluten-free diet, and this happens much faster in children than in adults.
    • Jmartes71
      Second chance

      By Jmartes71 · Posted

      Thats the thing, diagnosed in 1994 before foods eliminated celiac by biopsy colonoscopy at Kaiser in Santa Clara  now condo's but it has to be somewhere in medical land.1999 got married, moved, changed doctor's was with former for 25 years told him I waz celiac and that.Fast forward to last year.i googled celiac specialist and what popped up was a former well known heard of hospital. I thought I would get answers to be put through unnecessary colonoscopy KNOWING im glutenfree and she wasn't listening to me for help rather than screening me for celiac! Im already diagnosed seeking medical help.I did all the appointments ask from her and when I wanted my records se t to my pcp, thats when the with holding my records when I repeatedly messaged, it was down played the seriousness and I was labeled unruly when I asked why am I going through all this when its the celiac name that IS what my issue and All my ailments surrounding it related. I am dea6eoth the autoimmune part though my blood work is supposedly fabulous. Im sibo positive,HLA-DQ2 positive, dealing with skin, eye and now ms.I was employed as a bus driver making good money, I loved it for the few years my body let me do until I was yet again fired.i went to seek medical help because my body isn't well just to be made a disability chaser. Im exhausted,glutenfree, no lawyer will help and disability is in limbo thanks to the lax on my health from the fabulous none celiac Google bay area dr snd team. Its not right.
    • trents
      Concerning GP advice

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the celiac.com community @EssexMum! First, let me correct some misinformation you have been given. Except in the case of what is known as "refractory" celiac disease, which is very rare, it is not true that the "fingers" will not grow back once a consistently gluten free diet is adopted. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition whereby the ingestion of gluten triggers an inflammatory process that damages the millions of tiny finger-like projections that make up the lining of the small bowel. We call this the "villous lining". Over time, continued ingestion of gluten on a regular basis results in the wearing down of these fingers which greatly reduces the surface area of this very important membrane. It is where essentially all the nutrition from what we eat is absorbed. So, losing this surface area results in inefficiency in nutrient absorption and often to medical problems related to nutrient deficiencies. Again, if a gluten-free diet is consistently observed, the villous lining of the small bowel should rebound. "We was informed that her body absorbs the gluten rather then rejecting it and that is why she doesn't react to the gluten straight away, it will be a build up and then the pains start. " That sounds like unscientific BS to me. But it does sound like your stepdaughter may have a type of celiac disease we know as "silent" celiac disease, meaning, she is asymptomatic or at least the symptoms are not intense enough to usually notice. She is not completely asymptomatic, however, because you stated was experiencing tummy aches off and on. Cristiana gives some good suggestions about ordering "safe" food for your stepdaughter from restaurant menus in Europe. You must realize that as the step parent who only has her part of the time you have no real control over how cooperative her other set of parents are with regard to your stepdaughter's needs to eat gluten free. It sounds like they don't really understand the seriousness of the matter. This is very common in family settings where other members are ignorant about celiac disease and the damage it can do to body systems. So, they don't take it seriously. The best you can do is make suggestions. Perhaps print out some info about celiac disease from the Internet to send them. Being inconsistent with the gluten free diet keeps the inflammation smoldering and delays or inhibits healing of the villous lining. 
    • Scott Adams
      Gluten-Mimicking Proteins that can affect some Celiac individuals.

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Here are some articles on cross-reactivity and celiac disease:      
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.