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Can You Get Sick From Touching Wheat?

katinagj

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katinagj Apprentice
katinagj
Posted

So I'm pretty new to the whole gluten free thing. And after seeing the post on hair dye and fake nails, I was curious. So can you get sick from these products just by skin contact? I did not know this if its true...It would explain a lot if it is, because while I haven't been Diagnosed yet, I at least have a gluten intolerance and my hair dye that I started using last spring does have wheat in it. I have had a dry scaly horribly itchy scalp, where I used to have a very strong head of hair it now is very sensitive. It even spread to my eyebrows and around my ears where water drips down when taking a shower. Do shampoos also have wheat? Could this be what that reaction was from all this time???? Thanks for the help, sorry if this was a stupid question..

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ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

It's not a stupid question at all. And yes the topicals you are using can effect you if they contain gluten. I would suggest going through your toiletries etc and eliminating any that contain gluten containing ingredients. If you still want to keep dying your hair let your scalp heal and then use a gluten free dye. Garnier makes them, and most of the shampoos that they make are safe. They will clearly label gluten ingredients. Dove and Suave do also. If you like organics Herbatint, an natural dye out of Italy (where they are a bit more celiac savvy) is safe although the conditioner that comes in the package wasn't last time I checked. Giovanni also make nice safe shampoos and conditioners as does Burts Bees.

GlutenFreeKate Newbie
GlutenFreeKate
Posted

I agree, not a stupid question at all. I have heard both sides to the argument about whether or not topical products will affect the gluten-averse. I think it (like so many nuances of this disease) is personal and depends on your own health. If you react to gluten-containing topical products (like your hair dye) then you should stay away from them. If this is the case, then it's not unlikely that this caused your itchy scalp. For many others, only ingesting gluten ingredients affects their health.

larry mac Enthusiast
larry mac
Posted

Based on the medical articles on this site and others I have read since being diagnosed over three years ago, no. One would have to transfer the wheat product into their mouths and ingest it.

I handle bakery goods often and have never had a reaction. I transport large amounts of bakery goods in my personal vehicle. The aroma of bread is very strong. I have never had a reaction.

That being said, there are many people on this forum that are convinced otherwise. There are certainly very sensitive people that must be extremely careful.

My concern is that newly diagnosed people don't become unduly burdened with uneccessary restrictions.

best regards, lm

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

Based on the medical articles on this site and others I have read since being diagnosed over three years ago, no. One would have to transfer the wheat product into their mouths and ingest it.

I handle bakery goods often and have never had a reaction. I transport large amounts of bakery goods in my personal vehicle. The aroma of bread is very strong. I have never had a reaction.

That being said, there are many people on this forum that are convinced otherwise. There are certainly very sensitive people that must be extremely careful.

My concern is that newly diagnosed people don't become unduly burdened with uneccessary restrictions.

best regards, lm

I would tend to agree with larrymac. Most people can handle gluten without issue. Shampoos and lotions could be a concern due to the fact that it can get into your mouth. Gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin.

An ALLERGY to gluten can cause of itching and irritation. It is possible to have Celiac as well as a gluten allergy.

Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted

So I'm pretty new to the whole gluten free thing. And after seeing the post on hair dye and fake nails, I was curious. So can you get sick from these products just by skin contact? I did not know this if its true...It would explain a lot if it is, because while I haven't been Diagnosed yet, I at least have a gluten intolerance and my hair dye that I started using last spring does have wheat in it. I have had a dry scaly horribly itchy scalp, where I used to have a very strong head of hair it now is very sensitive. It even spread to my eyebrows and around my ears where water drips down when taking a shower. Do shampoos also have wheat? Could this be what that reaction was from all this time???? Thanks for the help, sorry if this was a stupid question..

larry mac gave an excellent post on your question and I'll add my 2 cents worth.....people constantly confuse a Celiac reaction to an allergic reaction and there is a huge difference. You absolutely have to ingest wheat into your gut for a Celiac reaction to occur. As your question was concerning hair dye, I HIGHLY doubt you have ingested that because you would most likely have ended up in the hospital from being poisoned and I don't mean gluten poisoning! Hair dye is chemical and only belongs on your head. People may swallow some shampoo in the shower but they won't be swallowing hair dye on a regular basis.

You sound like you have a topical wheat allergy also. The reaction you describe pretty much is an allergic reaction. It is very common for people with intolerances and allergies to have additional allergies. While gluten will not penetrate your skin, if you have a topical allergy to wheat, I would advise finding another color product without it. I use Framesi hair color and have no clue whether it has wheat in it or not as I don't ever have a reaction to it. I am a highly sensitive Celiac so that is not the issue...I do not have an allergy to wheat, just Celiac.

Like larry, I do not think people should be burdened with unnecessary restrictions but it sounds like you have a definite wheat allergy OR it could be another ingredient in the color. Just remember....you have to ingest gluten for a true Celiac reaction to occur. That also means anything which goes on your lips because it will get into your mouth and then your gut. I'm sure there are people on this forum who could recommend a hair color with no wheat ingredients. Good luck!

lovegrov Collaborator
lovegrov
Posted

You will not get sick from touching wheat unless you have a wheat allergy, which you could. The dry flakiness you describe also sounds like possible psoriasis.

richard

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katinagj Apprentice
katinagj
Posted
  • Author

Sorry it took so long to get to this, I forgot I had posted this question. I guess I will need to go to a dermatologist. While all my other symptoms have gotten MUCH better since going gluten free, the skin issue isn't changing. But I am hoping in the next few months it will. Can dry skin be a reaction to eating gluten? Just curious. So new to this, and so many questions...Though I have learned a lot from the website thanks to all the helpful people here! Most of my symptoms from before going gluten free are now gone. Including chronic lower back pain that I have had non stop for two years. This skin thing only started happening recently and I'm wondering if I should wait until I have been gluten free for a few months before worrying about going to a doctor about it? Or if I should go soon..I really should have mentioned it to my doctor when I went in to get my blood test last week. But I forgot. Plus it seems to be getting better, but over the weekend it got worse again. And it really is driving me insane!

lovegrov Collaborator
lovegrov
Posted

As I said, it could be psoriasis. A dermatologist can tell immediately.

richard

ann72601 Apprentice
ann72601
Posted

I would tend to agree with larrymac. Most people can handle gluten without issue. Shampoos and lotions could be a concern due to the fact that it can get into your mouth. Gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin.

An ALLERGY to gluten can cause of itching and irritation. It is possible to have Celiac as well as a gluten allergy.

ann72601 Apprentice
ann72601
Posted

Just curious about this topic: I have DH on my hands and there are often open sores. Can gluten enter into the system that way?

Takala Enthusiast
Takala
Posted

Just curious about this topic: I have DH on my hands and there are often open sores. Can gluten enter into the system that way?

++++++++++++++

Yup !

I was so happy when I figured out that I'm sensitive to topicals. No more rashes, much better skin. No more itchy flakey scalp. No more hands cracking in the winter.

Your hair should grown in thicker once your gut heals up. Extra bonus.

Guys, look. You all have SHORT HAIR and you don't put conditioner on it.

We have LONG HAIR. We tend to put goop on it after the shampoo. It doesn't rinse off all the way. The residue gets on the towels, hands, all over. Then we moisturize and smear more goop all over ourselves. Now there's residue on the fingers. Then we go into the kitchen and get something to eat, like a finger food, grapes or something, and sit there and munch while typing, the oil is all over the keyboards.... gaaaaaah.

Not to mention lipstick. And powder. When was the last time you wore makeup, guys? More goop and possible residue. I don't know about you, but my eyes BURN when I use eyeshadow or mascara with wheat, and my face breaks out. Mineral makeup is great.

I have an acute sense of smell and if I can smell a lotion residue somewhere, it is there.

Of course, it can be other allergies. But when in doubt, just try switching to something that doesn't have it, and see if it makes a difference. Always try to use cosmetics with the fewest ingredients.

Also, for dry skin, eating coconut milk, olive oil, and avocados, nuts, all these good fats can help your skin. Coconut oil can also be used as a moisturizer and a tiny dab as a hair conditioner, after rinsing with water and apple cider vinegar. Pure shea butter, a tiny bit also goes a long way.

NorthernElf Enthusiast
NorthernElf
Posted

I had some cat scratches on my hand and was packaging crackers for my kids' lunches - I do a bunch at a time to reduce my exposure. The cuts stung from the salt...didn't think much of it at the time but half an hour later I felt ill, had a headache, and my sinuses flared up. Typical symptoms for me...though the stomach symptoms were milder.

ann72601 Apprentice
ann72601
Posted

I appreciate the replies. I know that DH, or gluten rash is common but I didn't think about how I was getting sick so frequently until I thought about the fact that it's as direct and entry into the system as the mouth. I think we're all on a learning curve, including the doctors.

From now on I will be keeping gloves to handle anything in the bathroom and kitchen, AND I will check with the manufacturer on any medication prescribed. She still thinks that it will be listed in the PDR if it has gluten or that the pharmacist will be able to tell me. I will always have my meds compounded from now on too. Livin' and learnin'!!

Thanks again!!

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