Acne, Anxiety, Sensitive Stomach, Insomnia

[loci80015]

Hi,

I am new to this forum. I am 32 years old. To make a long story as short as possible, I have been dealing with what I have always thought was IBS since my teens, as well as anxiety, insomnia, breakouts and anemia. I never really gave it much thought that this could be related to gluten sensitivity, but about 3 months ago, instead of my normal hormonal PMS breakouts, I have had HORRIBLE acne (mailinly white/blackhead bumps ALL over my face). My cousin, who had a very similar experience, was tested for gluten sensitivity and it came back positive.

I went to my PCP, and my blood work came back negative for celiacs, but positive for borderline anemia. Since then, I have sent a specimen to Enterolab to test for gluten sensitivity (I am still awaiting results-should be any day now). I have given up gluten over the past month just to see what happens and my acne has never been worse. I am not used to having such a reaction. Have some of you experienced this while going OFF of gluten? Is this some sort of a purging process?

Thanks for any info you can give me.....and support.......

[ravenwoodglass]

Are you using anything topically on your face or on any meds? All meds need to be checked to make sure they are gluten-free and you should also check anything you use on your face. I used to use a lot of coverup and makeup to try and cover the lesions on my face and they actually made them worse.

[SLB5757]

I agree with Ravenwood. You need to check your make-up. I also know that at the end of a bottle of foundation (And I even use the 32.00 make-up counter foundation), I will start to break out more - probably because over teh course of a few months it starts to get oils from your finger into the bottle somehow. Maybe the make-up just breaks down a bit after some time. I just notice that replacing the bottle before it is almost empty seems to help.

I am 32 as well, and am having worse acne now than ever before. I have never even had acne, now I have "chin acne" on either side of my chin. There will only be one or two spots on either side, but they are EXTREMELY itchy and annoying. Just when one leaves another will come.

I am still doing a gluten challenge, so when all teh tests come back maybe I will have clarity too. Hope you get some answers!!!

[ravenwoodglass]

I agree with Ravenwood. You need to check your make-up. I also know that at the end of a bottle of foundation (And I even use the 32.00 make-up counter foundation), I will start to break out more - probably because over teh course of a few months it starts to get oils from your finger into the bottle somehow. Maybe the make-up just breaks down a bit after some time. I just notice that replacing the bottle before it is almost empty seems to help.

I am 32 as well, and am having worse acne now than ever before. I have never even had acne, now I have "chin acne" on either side of my chin. There will only be one or two spots on either side, but they are EXTREMELY itchy and annoying. Just when one leaves another will come.

I am still doing a gluten challenge, so when all teh tests come back maybe I will have clarity too. Hope you get some answers!!!

Since you are doing a gluten challenge and those spots are not only itchy but also bilateral it sounds like those spots are DH. I don't know how much longer you have to go on your challenge, or how sick it is making you but you need to know if you can get to see a dermatologist and have them biopsy the area next to those lesions and look specifically for the changes seen with DH you would then have your celiac diagnosis if that was positive and no more challenge or further testing would be needed.

[loci80015]

Thanks for the info. I actually got my test results today and I am in fact gluten sensitive. I thought my recent breakouts were related to makeup or moisturizer, but I use mineral makeup with few, gluten free ingredients. However, I do have to say, in the few days that I have been completely gluten free, my skin is starting to heal a bit more. I don't know.....maybe it's the fluctuation in hormones as well as the intestine is starting the healing process. My cousin had horrible break outs and went gluten free and started on probiotics and IgA supplements and her skin has never looked better. Here's to hoping and starting my new life on a gluten free diet!!!