New Celiac!

[JoanneP]

Hello!

I was just diagnosed with Celiac about 6 weeks ago (I'm 50).  Feeling a tad overwhelmed.  I think I have a grasp on it, and then I realize I really don't have a clue!  (Example:  My husband and I were in Florida a week ago and I broke out in a rash.  Long story short, I realized sunscreen has gluten! ugh...).  What is so frustrating/confusing to me is finding real accurate information about miscellaneous products that may/may not contain gluten.  Make up?  Moisturizers?  I downloaded a gluten-free app to scan products, but so far, most things I scan come up "product bar code not known".  I use Oil of Olay facial moisturizer and I can't seem to find a definitive answer on whether it's gluten-free???  Is there an app or a website out there that is current and accurate?  So many times when I google something, I get articles from at least ten years ago.  Did I mention I'm feeling overwhelmed???

ANY information would be SO appreciated!!!!

Thanks!

Joanne

[GFinDC]

Welcome to the forum Joanne,

I am sorry I can't help with the skin products question.  Being a man I don't use such things myself.  But I know they have been discussed on the forum many times before so maybe a helpful person will come along soon with info.

Basic info regarding starting the gluten-free diet for you though:

Try to stick to whole foods cooked at home for several months at least.  No eating out at friends or restaurants.

You may find it helpful to stop all dairy for a few months also.

Oats are a problem for some of us as well as wheat, rye and barley  So it might be good to avoid oats also.

Your rash could be DH (dermatitis herpetiformis), which is a an itchy skin rash only people with celiac get.

Sometimes people starting the gluten-free diet think they will recover in a couple weeks.  But it is more common for recovery to take months or years.

It would be wise to have your doctor check your vitamin and mineral levels for deficiencies.

[tessa25]

I used to use Oil of Olay sensitive skin, but when I got a Nima Sensor it tested positive for gluten and I switched to Jergens Daily moisture fragrance free.

Nima isn't meant for testing non food products, but I can't take the risk.

 

[cyclinglady]

While a Celiac reaction requires actual consumption of gluten, I take no risks.  Sunscreen might melt into my mouth a long bike trip or I could bite a nail.  

I use CeraVe lotion for my face.  In winter, I use their heavier cream.  I also use the Equate “CeraVe” version by Walmart which is made in Canada.  I use a lot of sunscreen.  I buy Equate which does not contain gluten, is recommended by Consumer reports and is inexpensive.  Do not use CeraVe sunscreen.  For some reason they changed their formula (they must have changed suppliers).   I also use plain Vaseline Intensive care lotion (white bottle)  around the house.  Eucerin Daily SPF 15 is good too for facial sunscreen.  

Google a list of gluten ingredients.  Keep it on your phone or a paper copy with you.  Soon you will have the list memorized.  Here is one example:

https://celiac.org/gluten-free-living/what-is-gluten/sources-of-gluten/

Trisha Thompson is a dietitian who has celiac disease.  She is also “the Gluten Free Watchdog” which is like subscribing to Consumer Reports.  I highly recommend a subscription.  She tests products!  Here is an article she wrote on cosmetics:

https://jandonline.org/article/S2212-2672(12)01203-8/abstract