DH

[Curtis1987]

Hi, I’ve been dealing with a skin rash for about a year and a half now and it’s been diagnosed as a few things so far ( eczema twice, allergic contact dermatitis, and psoriasis) the psoriasis diagnosis came with a prescription for Cosentyx which suppresses your immune system like Prednisone does ( been on a ton of that too). To be able to take cosentyx my dermatologist had me vaccinated with Shinrix, twinrix, prevnar, pnemovax and another that I can’t remember. Anyway I’ve been on consentyx for a while now but have seen no affect at all. From the beginning friends and family have said my skin resembles DH so recently I’ve been trying to eat gluten free to see if that makes a difference but I would like to know roughly how long do you need to be gluten free to notice a difference in the DH symptoms?

[cyclinglady]

I am sorry that you are struggling with this persistent rash. 

DH is celiac disease.  Celiac disease (which is an autoimmune disease) can attack your small intestine, skin and more recently, your brain.  It reaches beyond those three areas and can really affect any body system.  A special skin biopsy can be done, but you need to be on gluten for 8 to 12 weeks for blood tests and or have an active rash that can be biopsied.  

https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/related-conditions/dermatitis-herpetiformis/

If you choose to remain gluten free, you have to be really, really strict. That is based on input from our DH members.  Basically avoid all processed foods, including gluten free.  At least until you see results.  Just consume things  like meat, veggies and fruit for a few weeks.  Do not eat out.  

Consider looking into the Autoimmune Paleo Diet which is also gluten free but helps you identify other food intolerances.  Then you add foods back in.  It has had success in IBD patients (Crohn’s) based on a tiny study done by Scripps in San Diego.  There are some folks with an autoimmune rash HS that healed on the AIP diet.  

https://hopeforhs.org/autoimmune-protocol-diet-its-impact-on-my-hs/

Oh, time?  It takes about a year for celiacs to heal.  Much sooner if the diet is strictly adhered too, but it has a steep learning curve!  Give it at least six months.  

[Awol cast iron stomach]

Cycling lady gave excellent advice. I was misdiagnosed 20 plus years. My skin issues were often diagnosed eczema, keratosis pilaris, and contact /friction dermatitis. After having my daughter we added PUPPP rash to the mix. 

When I went strictly gluten-free ( the 2 nd time after my challenge) no shared household, no eating out, etc . We cleaned up the whole houses diet by default to keep me safe. My son's eczema disappeared as well. I can always tell if his arms and cheeks flare he's been cc by corn startch or gluten.

I even avoid most gluten-free processed products unless they are minimal ingrediant s ( five ingredients or less seems to keepy homeostasis happy) this means I make a lot from scratch. I also avoid most corn, corn starch/ flour/dervatives, cow milk, and xanthum gum in addition to gluten. My body is happiest.

My last cc incident was fish from a regular trusted source a one off cc I suppose. I found using accupucture helped ease my inflammation it doesn't stop DH and gluten rashes but it helps.

While healing the DH can linger for me for weeks particularly if it's a hot summer several weeks. If it's a small amount of cc and I get to the acupucturist I find I can limit it to 2-3 weeks. 

I use to flare within 30 minutes now it would be 7-9 hours after I eat the offender. The GI damage lasts longer.

Now these days my neurological ataxia and vestibular issues trigger first. I of course avoid exposure to limit this.

My hope for you is it will be a few months. Clear out all gluten from house to remove cc, check all your personal care products too.

When first damage I was sensitive to things even gluten-free if too many additives etc. I make many of my own personal care products for my face , laundry,band mouth wash still.

I was able to stop making my own toothpaste and use squiggle or dessert essence now.

Lastly I don't eat in the work lunchroom anymore . We have 3 lunch shifts and despite using a placemat and washing hands etc I had issues.

I wish you the best. Hang in there.

Progress will come