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Rash Question


aswolf

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aswolf Newbie

Hi, I am trying to determine the source of a rash that I've had on my scalp for about 10 years now. I've recently been told that I have IBS but I suspect that I have celiac disease. I have about three spots of rashes on my scalp that are very painful and itchy. Two of them happen to be located where I had stitches as a child. This was when I was 8 and 9, about 20 years ago. I am now wondering if gluten may have been in the suture used. I have no way of knowing what was used. I've looked at the ingredient listing of sutures, but I'm no chemist. I don't know if they use gluten.

I tried a scalp therapy conditioner yesterday. It made my scalp feel great for a few hours. But today the rash is much worse. I did see that the conditioner had wheat protein in it. I thought this would be a good test.

Thanks in advance for your help!


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Pegster Apprentice

I had an itchy rash on my scalp before I was diagnosed with celiac disease and DH. From what I have read, the DH is typically on the elbows, knees, back, etc. I KNOW I had it in my scalp, too, and it didn't go away until I switched shampoos/conditioners. Wheat protein is in sooo many hair products. THe one that I used didn't say "wheat" anywhere in the ingredients, but had hydrolized vegetable protein in it which I THINk must have some connection. I also get DH blisters on my face after scrapbooking with stickers and glue and then touching my face! Most Celiacs don't seem to have the skin irritations and reactions, but since it's different for everyone, we just have to watch for our own symptoms. Watch out for hair gels and sprays with wheat protein in them, too. My scalp feels great now! :rolleyes:

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    • Scott Adams
      You've done an excellent job of meticulously tracking the rash's unpredictable behavior, from its symmetrical spread and stubborn scabbing to the potential triggers you've identified, like the asthma medication and dietary changes. It's particularly telling that the rash seems to flare with wheat consumption, even though your initial blood test was negative—as you've noted, being off wheat before a test can sometimes lead to a false negative, and your description of the other symptoms—joint pain, brain fog, stomach issues—is very compelling. The symmetry of the rash is a crucial detail that often points toward an internal cause, such as an autoimmune response or a systemic reaction, rather than just an external irritant like a plant or mites. I hope your doctor tomorrow takes the time to listen carefully to all of this evidence you've gathered and works with you to find some real answers and effective relief. Don't be discouraged if the rash fluctuates; your detailed history is the most valuable tool you have for getting an accurate diagnosis.
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      Welcome to the forum, @catsrlife! Celiac disease can be diagnosed without committing to a full-blown "gluten challenge" if you get a skin biopsy done during an active outbreak of dermatitis herpetiformis, assuming that is what is causing the rash. There is no other known cause for dermatitis herpetiformis so it is definitive for celiac disease. You would need to find a dermatologist who is familiar with doing the biopsy correctly, however. The samples need to be taken next to the pustules, not on them . . . a mistake many dermatologists make when biopsying for dermatitis herpetiformis. 
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