Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • 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:
    Help Celiac.com:
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Possible Rash From Gluten? (Pic Heavy)


SPJandE

Recommended Posts

SPJandE Newbie

I was directed here by another member, so hopefully you guys can help me out. My son is 7 months old and has had this rash off and on since he was 2 months old. Out of the last 5 months, I would say he has had clear skin for maybe 3 weeks total (all broken up). It is red, bumpy, and really itchy. He is totally miserable sometimes.

He was breastfed until 3.5 months (though I had to cut out 100% of dairy). I don't know if gluten goes through that or not?? But he has been on formula since then (Neocate). He has been getting solids since 5 months. He started out with oatmeal. We figured out the detergent allergy finally (all his skin can handle is Ecos F&C), but then the rash came back. It seemed to be about the same time he started getting more oatmeal (mainly to thicken the thinner baby foods) and Cheerios.

This rash has come and gone at what seems like random. His skin will clear up and look great for a week and then spots start appearing again. If it's a contact rash and we bathe him as soon as we notice, it goes away quickly (as with the detergent). This does not go away no matter how much we bathe him. We use hypoallergenic/unscented Dove on him and hypoallergenic/unscented Eucerin. His skin is not dry, just covered in itchy red bumps. It is usually the worst on his legs (thighs), though it varies. Sometimes it is from head-to-toe, sometimes just his arms and legs, sometimes legs and back and belly, etc. It is just completely random and we are at a loss.

His doctor is stumped by it and the dermatologist we seen was absolutely useless. I've never mentioned celiac to his doctor, but my mom was diagnosed with it about a year ago. For now, we have stopped giving him oatmeal and Cheerios and are just doing fruits & veggies, along with his formula just to see if it makes any difference.

Please ask any questions you might have. I tried to be thorough, but probably missed something important. Any advice is greatly appreciated...even if you could just point me in the right direction or tell me it looks nothing like a rash from gluten/celiac.

Here are some pictures from January and February. This is what his skin looks like at least 95% of the time.

Embry136.webp

EmbryRash004.webp

EmbryRash006.webp

EmbryRash008.webp

EmbryRash011.webp

EmbryRash012.webp

EmbryRash016.webp

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



squirmingitch Veteran

O-M-G! OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG!!!!!!!!! Looking at those pictures (which are fabulous BTW; b/c they show it in such detail) are giving me flashbacks. The photos plus the fact that your mom was diagnosed with celiac ...... that poor baby has dh! And therefore celiac.

He must be miserable. I KNOW. He is miserable.

Okay, you need to get him tested right away. The sooner the better so you can get it done & get him started being gluten free. He can't go gluten-free until the testing is done but you will want the diagnosis for his benefit for the rest of his life you see. You need to see if you can find a GOOD derm who is EXPERIENCED in dh biopsy. And you need a pediatric gastro who is experienced in celiac diagnosis. I don't care where you have to drive to but you need to do it NOW. Talk to your mom's doc who diagnosed her & see if he/she can recommend the proper docs. OR take your son to your mom's doc & see what that doc says.

Meanwhile, use the coolest water he can stand to bathe in as hot water makes the dh even redder & itchier. Use witch hazel & soak cloths with it & swab him down --- it will help to cool the dh & help some with the itching. For that matter; after a bath you can just pour it on him. Since he seems to have allergies you will want to test the witch hazel first to make sure he's not allergic. I have a friend allergic to witch hazel so it does happen.

Get gluten-free everything you use on him --- shampoos, soaps, lotions --- everything.

I'm positive others will be on here to answer soon as well.

I'm crying for your poor baby. And that doesn't mean I think you're a bad parent. please understand I'm not knocking you in any way, shape or form. I just know the misery he's going through.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
squirmingitch Veteran

Oh, and take those photos with you to any doc you go to.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
SPJandE Newbie

Thanks for your reply! I don't take anything you said as knocking me. I just want help! It's hard to see him digging at his arms and legs and knowing that I don't know what to do for him.

To respond to you though, we already drive about 1.5 hours to get to his ped because she is just wonderful, so it's not a big deal for us to drive to see other doctors for him. We actually prefer it, as quite honestly our local doctors suck. The dermatologist we seen was local and that was a waste of time. We have no problem going to another one, but it will definitely be one in a bigger city (we live in a very small town). His doctor wants to see him to discuss allergies, since it keeps coming back. So we will get that set up and go from there. She has always been great about listening to us and working with us on things.

The only problem with testing him is he has been on Prednisone off and on for about a month. He has been getting 1/4 tsp when it flares up really bad for days, he is miserable, and nothing is helping. He just had a dose this afternoon (and he looks muuuuch better). I know steroids can cause negative results on celiac tests. I think I read you are supposed to be steroid free for 1 month before testing? I'm sure she would have no problem testing him, but I don't want to put him through that if the steroid is going to interfere with the results anyway.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Momma4 Rookie

Poor thing! I totally feel for you! My 2 year old has rashes that start out looking like this but then he scratches so much they go a deep red color. His also comes and goes, but never seems to go totally away. I am no expert on this, as I just posted the same question a few days ago about my son, with pictures. However, I will say that your sons rash looks more severe and covers more of his body than my sons. I hope you get some answers soon!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
rosetapper23 Explorer

I, too, think that your son has DH--it sure looks like it! If you can't find a dermatologist who is experienced with biopsying DH (and even if they say they ARE), make sure that whoever you find to do the biopsy takes the biopsy from clear skin ADJACENT to a lesion. If a biopsy is taken from a lesion itself, it will result in a negative pathology. This is VERY important, and very few dermatologists know this. If the biopsy is positive for DH, your son has celiac....and there's no reason for further labwork or an endoscopy. Many gastroenterologists are unaware of this and may insist on bloodwork and an endoscopy. There really is NO need to do so, since a diagnosis of DH is a diagnosis of celiac disease.

Have you checked to see if the formula is free of both gluten and iodine? It could be that it's fortified with iodine. If so, that's not good for your son. If he has DH and you eliminate only gluten at first, the iodine in his diet will keep the lesions active. You'll only need to eliminate the iodine for a month or two, and then you can add it back in slowly, since it's an important nutrient.

Please let us know what happens--I feel so sad looking at the photos you've taken.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
pricklypear1971 Community Regular

If you're looking for a good gluten-free cream try Vanicream.

No Aveeno!

If he will allow you, put some ice packs on the rash.

Yes, get the rash biopsied. It's your best bet, at his age, for a Celiac dx if indeed it is DH. Babies test neg most times on blood work and endoscope.

Poor little guy.

If you can't get a doc to biopsy it (and id get rather militant about it) you may try a gluten-free trial and see if it works.

Find a derm who is familiar with DH biopsies. It is worth it to find one who is experienced with it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



squirmingitch Veteran

And tell the doctors that your mom was diagnosed with celiac.And for that matter you might ought to get tested yourself just so you know. It's harder to go back to gluten after you've gone gluten-free. Usually you have much stronger reactions going back on gluten for testing after having been gluten-free for a while.

And yes, the prednisone will invalidate any tests including the dh biopsy..

And the lab the doc sends the dh biopsy to can make all the difference in the world. They have to know they are supposed to look for dh. And I agree that the dh biopsy is the fastest & easiest way to get the diagnosis. And if a derm is unwilling to give the celiac dx upon a positive biopsy then see if your pediatrician will do so. But any derm worth their salt with dh is going to know a dh dx is a celiac dx.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Di2011 Enthusiast

I think you're sons case would warrant a request for an immediate appointment. Insist on it.

It looks very much like my case (though I'm 39:) in its early days. I thought I was getting mosquito bites in the middle of a freezing winter. Now almost 12 months later my all over "bites" are finally beginning to heal. Hopefully given your sons age he may respond sooner than my 39 years of gluten-intake skin.

You may want to speak to your good doctor about antihistimine. It doesn't treat or cure or prevent but a good dose seems to take a little bit of the edge off especially during the horrible night time.

The only thing that has (literally) saved my sanity and allowed me patches of sleep are coldpacks (put in fridge as ice/freezer mightn't be so popular with a 2y/o). Buy the soft/material ones as these are much better. Have at least three so you can rotate them. Keep them clean (every use!!!) to prevent infection.

Some other things/advice:

* face clothes (wet and cooling on the skin) - perhaps use a soft cloth as most commercial face cloths tend to be a little abrasive

* soft cloth gloves (I still scratch like crazy but while I'm at home they are helpful. Perhaps you know someone who can sew?)

* keep his finger nails as short as you can and ALWAYS clean

* other people might disagree but you shouldn't have to use any soap everyday - consider giving him a totally chemical free day every other day or two

* don't use clothes washing powder. Buy a gluten free liquid.

* later down the track (post testing etc) you might have to consider making your entire household gluten free - it was only recently that I have done this and I am finally healing (with no change to my own diet or routines) and it has made an enormous difference.

I'll be thinking of you and bub the next few weeks. Keep us all update along the journey. And as suggested by others you MUST get tested. Celiac can come in a "silent" (but still potentially deadly) form also.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
mushroom Proficient

Yes, I am concerned about the prednisone interfering with his testing since it's goal is to reduce the inflammation you are tryhing to measure. I have read where you should be off it as long as you were on it (this was a five-month example) to get it out of your system. Now I know it is what gives him relief, but if you could eliminate the glluten and oatmeal, use the cold compresses, give him an antihistamine prescribed by his docor and have him wear the gloves, you might be able to keep him comfortable enough for a long enough time to get a valid biopsy. It is so tough to watch them suffer, but prednisone should not be a long-term treatment for a wee guy either.

I wish you well in your efforts to get him diagnosed and echo others who say it is really important to find a dermatologist who is familiar with celiac disease and its testing procedures.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
squirmingitch Veteran

According to these two sources; even for a dh biopsy you have to be eating gluten so he needs to be off the prednisone yet still eating gluten which is going to be hell b/c there is a rebound effect when going off the steroids. But better done now rather than later in life.

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Link to comment
Share on other sites
ciamarie Rookie

My first thought on seeing the pictures was agreement with the others. Given all of the other great responses, it may be that testing asap would be your only option; knowing the results may be negative due to the steroids. OR, the best option might be to see if the ped dr. will diagnose based on family history, and those pictures after a gluten-free trial? If the gluten-free trial helps (which it undoubtedly would), you'd have before & after pics as well as family history and perhaps a genetic test? Obviously you'd want to check with the Dr. first, before taking that option. Then you could get him off gluten sooner, and have a dx.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
squirmingitch Veteran

ciamarie brings up a good option. If you can get the ped to agree then it would be the fastest means to an end.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
JustNana Apprentice

Oh my Lord,

Your little guy's photos are heartbreaking. You did a great job by the way on the pics. I agree with all the posters here and know you want an answer. If it were my baby and I knew about DH I would go gluten free right away and see if a couple of months gives him any relief. He's only 7 months so feeding him is easy to control. I would not use any commercial baby foods. A little of your own soft cooked fruit and veggies for a while would be fine I think. Lots of babies are on just milk for 9-12 months and do fine. I feel so bad for you. I know that, miserable as he is, you are even more so.

Either way, staying on gluten, cutting the steroids and then testing... Or just doing a trial gluten free is at least something you can do. I know you feel helpless. You're not. Be firm with Drs if you are getting no answers.

I will keep your family in my prayers. Please keep us posted and know that you have many, many people here who know a lot and are genuinely caring.

Best wishes.

Linda

Link to comment
Share on other sites
SPJandE Newbie

Thank you all for your responses! I can't tell you how much I appreciate any little bit of help/advice!! I am a bit overwhelmed, but definitely taking it all in. I sent an e-mail to his doctor and I'm sure she'll get back to me on Monday and we'll go from there. For now, we are just going gluten free, mainly because I can't make myself give it to him, thinking that might be causing that rash. He is out of the steroid, so we won't do anymore of that. The dermatologist just gave him enough for a few doses anyway. He does have a steroid cream, but again, we just won't use it.

I am thinking about having my 7 year old tested in the meantime. I've thought for a while, that he might have it, though I'm not sure. He has random bouts of diarrhea and tummy aches and has for years. He will eat and then all of the sudden have to run to the bathroom. Sometimes it's not diarrhea, but he has to go right that minute. I've started paying more attention to it lately and pasta does it everytime and sandwiches usually do as well. Before we thought it was the tomato sauce with the pasta (he also gets a rash around his mouth at times), but now I'm thinking it's the pasta. The other day we had bowtie pasta and sauce and afterward, he had diarrhea 3 times (it might have been 4). He hasn't been on a steroid and is still on gluten, so I thought testing him would be a good start.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
squirmingitch Veteran

SPJ&E,

Sounds like a good plan. It does sound as if your 7 yr. old has some real issues which could well be celiac. Why don't you try just feeding him some plain pasta with no sauce --- just maybe butter on it & see what happens. That way you eliminate any sauces as sources of his digestive issues. But considering the history involved I don't have any doubt that your 7 yr. old has celiac or at the very least gluten sensitivity.

All of this can be terribly overwhelming. And doubly so when it's your children whom it's happening to. But reading your posts it's easy to tell you're doing your research. Knowledge is power. Good for you!

Please don't hesitate to ask questions any time at all. There are so many knowledgeable "veterans" on here.

Let us know what transpires. We DO care.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Di2011 Enthusiast

Yep.. definitely time for you all to get tested. You should also consider talking to any of your own siblings, if you have any. I'd wait until the kids are diagnosed (it seems so likely to be celiac!) and then give them the whole story of what your kids have been through - pictures and all.

You'd be amazed how many unusual (but what I thought for 38years was just normal for me) things have cleared up with me. Even down to my nails always being brittle. Now, nearly a year gluten and the past month or two they have become quite hard to cut. Spins me out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
SPJandE Newbie

I have another quick question. He had the steroid on 4/20, so 3 days ago. You can still feel the bumps everywhere but they are smaller and you can't see them. Does that still go along with DH or does that sound more like a contact allergy?

I ask because we do have a cat in the house. I don't see it being that as like I said, he will clear up for an entire week at times. I can't say for 100% certain it's not that though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
pricklypear1971 Community Regular

Yes, steroids are an immune suppressant and are used to treat refractory Celiac Disease. Some DH responds, some doesn't.

Mine did.

However, be warned, it will probably come roaring back worse than before within a few days. Load up on ice packs and Vanicream.

It is also normal for DH to flare and recede; however, never healing completely or disappearing and reappearing within hours.

It seems to run in 2-3 week cycles. Swelling, filling, popping then drying and healing. The skin is delicate while healing, and trauma to the area can cause a resurgence for some.

Some foods can aggrivate it - like iodine and salicylates rich foods. That maybe why it is worse sometimes than better.

Unless he's truly allergic to the cat, or there's gluten in the cat food or gluten in the litter the cat shouldn't be an issue.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
SPJandE Newbie

His bumps have never popped. But the rash has also never gone away at all without a steroid. The only time they scab over is if he digs at them too much. Is that normal for DH too? I guess it's possible that it's never had the chance to run it's full cycle, since he was still on gluten until a few days ago.

I ask about the cat because some others (on another board) think the cat might be what he is allergic to, rather than him having celiac. I am doubtful, like I said, but I guess I can't say for certain it's not that.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
pricklypear1971 Community Regular

His bumps have never popped. But the rash has also never gone away at all without a steroid. The only time they scab over is if he digs at them too much. Is that normal for DH too? I guess it's possible that it's never had the chance to run it's full cycle, since he was still on gluten until a few days ago.

I ask about the cat because some others (on another board) think the cat might be what he is allergic to, rather than him having celiac. I am doubtful, like I said, but I guess I can't say for certain it's not that.

I suggest you stop wondering if it's DH and get it biopsied or try the gluten-free diet, or both. It's really the only way to know.

If the rash responds to gluten withdrawal he has a gluten rash; therefore, he has a problem with gluten.

DH or gluten rashes are known to look and act differently from week to week, person to person.

It may be the cat. It may be gluten. It may be both or neither. The only way you'll know is to go through testing and elimination.

Btw my husband, nephew, and friend are allergic to cats and they get itchy eyes, sneezing - allergy symptoms. That's what I've noticed in most people allergic to cats.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Ninja Contributor

My dad and I are also very allergic to cats – we get itchy, heavy, stinging, watery eyes, headaches and stuffed noses. No rashes or hives. :)

I am wondering if these people on the other board are knowledgable about Celiac and DH?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
SPJandE Newbie

We can't test him anytime soon because of the steroid he had 3 days ago. We had already decided to try him on a gluten free diet and see if it makes any difference though. Of course, he's only been gluten free for 4 days, but it's a start.

I'm mainly just asking what's "normal" for a dh rash because I really have no idea. He is still itchy at times and we can feel the rash, even though the bumps are tiny and not easily seen (they are the same color as his skin, rather than being swollen and red). I didn't know if that was typical (or if it's just typical to be completely random) or if it sounded more like an allergy to the cat. He doesn't have the sneezy or itchy/watery eyes...I didn't even think of that. It's just this stupid rash.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
SPJandE Newbie

My dad and I are also very allergic to cats

Link to comment
Share on other sites
pricklypear1971 Community Regular

We can't test him anytime soon because of the steroid he had 3 days ago. We had already decided to try him on a gluten free diet and see if it makes any difference though. Of course, he's only been gluten free for 4 days, but it's a start.

I'm mainly just asking what's "normal" for a dh rash because I really have no idea. He is still itchy at times and we can feel the rash, even though the bumps are tiny and not easily seen (they are the same color as his skin, rather than being swollen and red). I didn't know if that was typical (or if it's just typical to be completely random) or if it sounded more like an allergy to the cat. He doesn't have the sneezy or itchy/watery eyes...I didn't even think of that. It's just this stupid rash.

Unfortunately there is no "normal". There's typical, which unfortunately has been taken as "only" by many doctors.

Also, unfortunately, once you go gluten-free (and if it is the source of the problem) you will not be able to reliably test him without reintroducing gluten.

I know this is incredibly difficult; however, you are going to make yourself nuts wondering. Been there, done that.

I suggest you do reading in the DH forum here on this site. You'll soon understand there are usually ancillary aggravating factors like salicylates or iodine with DH. Sals can also be a cause for a rash, on it's own, in people without a gluten problem.

It is important while you trial him to get gluten completely out of his world. Not on his skin - DH people are particularly sensitive to gluten in lotions, etc. wash everything he touches or puts in his mouth. If his bottles or cups are scarred replace them (I believe you've given him oats/cereal before?).

He may also have an issue with cows milk - it may be an issue if he has gi damage and can trigger DH. Anything that is an irritant to him can trigger DH until the antibody levels fall.

Sometimes antihistimines will help DH. They are also immune suppressants. If that rash comes raging back after the steroid wears off you may ask the ped about a low level dose until you can get it to calm down. I had a bit of luck with my rash and antihistimes, but it didnt clear the rash. It did help with general ai symptoms. The only reason i mention it is because of the risk of the rash coming back in a rage from the steroid.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

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


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      120,156
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Lisa Pieterse
    Newest Member
    Lisa Pieterse
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.2k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • CatherineWang
      I'm pretty sure that in stores, you can find plenty of gluten-free options. But they are usually a bit more expensive.
    • cristiana
      Hello @BunnyBrown and welcome to the forum. I cannot say that I have had the procedure you describe, but recently I did have general surgery and was routinely intubated.  That pain was what troubled me most after the operation, far more than the operation site.  It took a few days to really settle down, I was quite badly bruised. It was taking so long I was a bit concerned so asked the question on another forum. A few patients came back to me and said they had suffered the same.  I imagine in my own case possibly the throat got bashed about a bit,  maybe they had difficult inserting the tube?  I've suffered with a painful throat post-endoscopy too, but never as long as the intubation pain.   I hope you will be feeling better very soon.   PS BTW - love the name!  I saw this today in an Easter display in a shop and your name reminded me of it.🙂  
    • cristiana
      This wonderful, Anne. I think you have a point about why people disappear off forums.  I found the first few years post diagnosis a real struggle and frankly wondered if I would ever feel better (not to dishearten people, but just to say it can take a while longer for some folk to heal).  However, once my antibodies were back within normal range it really has made a big difference to my health.  I've chosen to stick around because I'm a Mod, otherwise I might have been one of those that disappeared, too!      
    • Exchange Students
      Yes absolutely, we work with all public schools and some private schools in all 50 states.
    • Scott Adams
      Just a quick question, can the host live in any state in the USA?
×
×
  • Create New...