Does It Have To Be Gluten Related?

[almostnrn]

I'm curious...sometimes I get a spot of DH here or there and it doesn't seem to be related to getting glutened. Are there other things that can trigger it? I have read about iodine. I have also asked my dermatologist and they don't have any idea. I actually had one dermatologist reccommend that I eat food with gluten so I could track how long it took me to break out! Hmmmm, I don't think so!

[Ursa Major]

It takes up to five years for the deposits under your skin to clear that cause DH (but I believe I read that two years is average). During that time you can get the odd outbreak here and there, without actually eating gluten. Now, if you actually eat gluten, you'll likely get a major, terrible outbreak.

Limiting your iodine intake is supposed to help a lot. My concern with that is, that your thyroid NEEDS iodine to function. So, I am not sure what to suggest. I am iodine deficient due to limiting my salt intake for 27 years (when a doctor told me that my feet were swollen during my first pregnancy due to too much salt, and I should stop using any salt), and I am hypothyroid.

[georgie]

Limiting your iodine intake is supposed to help a lot. My concern with that is, that your thyroid NEEDS iodine to function.

Its a Catch 22 - isn't it

So ... I could still be tested for DH despite being gluten-free for 6 months. The areas that had the rash still itches a bit - but there is no visible sign of it now.

[Sophiekins]

Yes, your skin still contains enough of the IgA deposits to cause the rash for up to six years from your last glutening; no, that doesn't neccessarily mean you could get an accurate test result six months after going gluten-free (particularly if you no longer have visible lesions).

With regard to iodine, my outbreaks have definitely diminished since I cut iodized salt out of my diet. . .and my thyroid function is fine and my iodine levels are comfortably within the normal range because I eat tuna or salmon once a week. The key is to limit your iodine levels, not eliminate it.

The only thing that seems to really clear up my DH though is living completely gluten-free - I am absolutely anal about CC.

ps. Georgie. . .I am so envious. . .invisible after 6 months gluten-free. . .lucky lucky you!

[almostnrn]

Thanks for the info guys, I had NO IDEA it took that long to clear your system. I guess I shouldn' t gripe about a spot here and there, I know some people really struggle with controlling their DH but sometimes I swear one or two spots on a knee or elbow are worse than a bunch of them!