Lymphoma

[Katlen]

I was diagnosed with cutaneous lymphoma two months after I got my celiac diagnosis. I've had skin problems along with undiagnosed celiac for a decade. Docs said it was "parapsoriasis" which means they didn't have a clue what it was and didn't feel like looking too hard. Docs said the celiac was giardia, IBS, etc, told me to take Imodium.

I know they are connected although I could only find three clinical papers. Celiac can cause lymphoma - lymphoma cells can migrate to skin - celiac causes weird skin issues = bingo: cutaneous lymphoma. It's supposed to be rare but I wonder if it really is since celiac isn't as rare as they once thought.

If you are having skin issues, insist that your doctor look for cutaneous lymphoma. It can move on into the blood and become leukemia. Trust me, it is not fun.

If only dermatologists and gastroenterologists would put two and two together and do a little collaborative research!

Symptoms of cutaneous lymphoma: cracking and bleeding skin, esp on fingers, palms of hands and soles of feet, ears; skin flaking off rather spectacularly, leaving a fine white dust all over EVERYTHING; red rashes; red skin all over ("red man's disease"); stinging rashes like a sunburn all over body; itching that keeps you awake at night; loss of body hair; plaques and patches, usually circular, that overproduce skin cells and can't be exfoliated. Google mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome.

Please write back if you are experiencing these. Don't let docs put you on steroid creams - I have 50 pounds to get rid of that jumped on in a couple of months from overuse, after losing scary amounts of weight twice from the celiac.

I'd really like to know if anyone else is having serious skin issues. Hang in there, everyone!

[N-james]

My father, his uncle and my sister have all been diagnosed with wheat allergies or full out Celiacs. I am currently un-insured and un-diagnosed, however I was loosing weight at a pound a day and sick in bed till I stopped eating gluten and developed a rash that looks just like early cutaneous lymphoma, Does anyone know any good reliable doctors in Portland? So far i have only been able to get an inconclusive Celiac test and some fungus cream from the doctors I've worked with to date.