Celiac, DH and chlorine contact dermatitis.

[selectivefocus]

This is just a shot in the dark to see if anyone else has this problem.

My Celiac 11 year old just finished up her swim session for gym class. She's been in the pool about 4 or 5 times over the past 3 weeks. She missed the first week due to having the flu. 

Anyway, she has the worst rash right now from the stupid chlorine. It reminds me of how bad her skin was pre-diagnosis when she was 3/4 years old. All over her body, itchy and painful. I used to think "eczema" was normal until we went gluten-free and their skin cleared up almost immediately. She gets really bad DH when glutened and this is not that, but, feels important because her skin violently reacts to things she is intolerant to. We don't drink tap water and I buy dechlorination tablets for the bath. We don't do fluoride in any way. I really try to keep their chemical load very low because of this disease. 

But now it's like: she definitely cannot do a second session after Christmas with her skin this bad and I'm not sure how to address it. 

[Scott Adams]

Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is a skin condition associated with celiac disease, and exposure to gluten triggers the characteristic rash. Chlorinated water in swimming pools itself is not a direct trigger for DH; however, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• People with DH often have sensitive skin, and exposure to certain chemicals, including chlorine, may potentially irritate the skin. While this irritation is not a direct cause of DH, it could contribute to discomfort or exacerbate existing skin issues.
• If there is a possibility of gluten contamination in or around the pool area, accidental ingestion of gluten can trigger a DH rash. For example, if someone with DH ingests gluten particles on their hands or in the water, it could lead to a reaction.
• The use of certain skin care products, including those containing gluten, in combination with chlorine exposure, could potentially irritate the skin or trigger a reaction in individuals with DH.

To minimize the risk of skin irritation or accidental gluten exposure, individuals with Dermatitis Herpetiformis may consider the following:

• Rinse off thoroughly after swimming to remove any chlorine or potential gluten contamination.
• Use gluten-free skin care products.