Erythrasma - Need Advice

[SurreyGirl2]

My 16 yr old son has been gluten-free for 3 years (presenting symptoms were neurological and they have pretty much gone away now), but apart from keratosis pilaris (which I didn't worry about that much), he has recently developed erythrasma (in his groin). He is gluten-sensitive rather than a full blown celiac.

He has been checked for diabetes (thankfully OK), but I suspect his immunity is depressed if not worn-down by the prolonged effort against gluten. I am desperately hoping to avoid antibiotics as they tend to weaken him generally, but getting quite concerned that despite tee tree oil & herbal ointments this doesn't seem to be going away. Before erythrasma, he had a fungal infection in his groin, which may have weakened his skin (after application of steroid ointment).

I am giving him vits, minerals & probiotics (approx 2 times a week now). I realise that this condition is perhaps not caused by gluten as such, but I am convinced it's a part of aftermath. He also has stretch marks (not exactly in the same area where erythrasma patches are, although this probably confirms that there is some weakness in the skin tissue.

Can anyone advise me what else I should consider please?

[Mother of Jibril]

I had stretch marks around my hips and breasts when I developed very rapidly as a teenager. I don't think that's a sign of a weakened immune system.

But... have you considered that your son might have another food intolerance (like casein, for example)? Or maybe he's just under a lot of stress? That can really wear your immune system down. Three years should be plenty of time to heal, assuming that he doesn't cheat on the gluten-free diet. Is he having any other problems besides the skin issues?

Welcome to the group!