Reactions From Touching Gluten?

[clu]

A few months ago I discovered I was gluten intolerant, and I have been wondering if I might have Celiac. A few weeks ago I started working in a bagel shop (not the greatest idea) and I have had a rash on my legs, arms, and hands ever since. On my legs and arms it is more of hives but on my hands it looks like dermatitis herpetiformis, which I did some research on. I also have a long history of eczema (but haven't had any eczema issues this serious in years).

 

I'm wondering if you think there is a connection between working with bagels all the time (I wear thin plastic gloves always) and this new rash? I haven't had any stomach issues in the past few weeks (I haven't accidentally eaten gluten for a while), so I don't think the rash is related to actually consuming gluten. Is it common to experience Celiac symptoms just from handling gluten?

[kareng]

Gluten has to be ingested to cause a Celiac reaction. Do they make the bagels where you work? It's possible the flour in the air is getting swallowed. Possible you are allergic to something in the bagel store?

 

I realize this is specifically about Play Doh but it pertains to touching gluten

 

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"Should I worry about my child with celiac disease (or other children) using PLAY-DOH, sculpting clay, acrylic paints or other gluten-containing products?

Gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin. Most people with celiac disease, even those with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) do not have to worry about touching or feeling wheat. However, it’s a serious concern as many children are prone to putting their hands in their mouths or do not wash their hands after touching wheat-containing products prior to consuming meals, thus causing gluten to be ingested.

Note: some persons with celiac disease may also have an allergy to wheat, which could cause a reaction when the skin touches gluten."

[dilettantesteph]

Could it be from the thin plastic gloves?  Some people are allergic to some of those.  

[AlwaysLearning]

I'm not sure if I believe them when they say that the gluten has to be ingested. They claim that the protein is too large to pass through the skin but I read stories here and there about people having to make sure they switch to a gluten-free soaps and shampoos after going gluten free in order to avoid rashes.

The medical establishment seems to know so little about gluten reactions that I wouldn't be surprised if they focused only on the damage being done to the small intestines when they say that skin contact wouldn't have any effect.

I used to break out in hives on my hands and get rashes on my wrists back when I was still consuming gluten, but only here and there. Of course, I can't remember the meals back then, but I have to wonder if it was from when I ate foods that were picked up rather than eaten with utensils. I can tell you that I don't risk it these days.

I definitely react when I breath in dust in the air that contains gluten, which would be a problem if you worked around flour. For me, it just feels as if I have a sinus infection, lots of pressure in the cheeks and forehead and some ear aches, plus a little more phlegm production overall. But I've also never had DH as a symptom.

 

[notme]

I'm not sure if I believe them when they say that the gluten has to be ingested. They claim that the protein is too large to pass through the skin but I read stories here and there about people having to make sure they switch to a gluten-free soaps and shampoos after going gluten free in order to avoid rashes.

 

no, that's not why i switched shampoos and soaps, etc.  it is because these personal care products can inadvertently get into your mouth when you're using them, ie: shampoo (unless you're at the salon with your head in the sink) can run down your face when you're showering and into your mouth.  anything neck up (because it can get into your mouth) i replaced the product.   you have to actually ingest it.  i still wash the kids hair with shampoo that has gluten in it, i can give them a bath, etc.  i can make them a sandwich, touching regular bread,etc as long as i wash my hands and rinse gluten particles off, i'm good to go.  never broke out in a rash from touching gluten - it has to hit your digestive tract for you to have a systemic reaction, like a dh rash.  it's possible to have a *contact* allergy, i guess, but it's not from celiac.

 

think about it - ever sit with anyone and they are eating a sandwich?  they don't wash their hands *after* they eat said sandwich, so whatever they touch after they eat would give you a rash.  

[clu]

They do make the bagels in the facility, actually- in a room that is connected and very very close to where I work, but the dough comes pre-made, and they just put the dough in an oven. I'm seeing a dermatologist tomorrow and possibly an allergist to look into the wheat allergy idea- seems like a possibility. But I didn't go into work today and already everything seems to be getting slowly better! Very confusing