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Feeling Better But Still Itchy Skin

michaelkl1

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michaelkl1 Rookie
michaelkl1
Posted

Well I have been on a gluten free diet for 5 weeks now, and most of my GI Symptoms have either gone away or reduced significantly. I did have a couple issues of getting gluten inadvertently, and I found that it took about 3 or 4 days for my GI symptoms to go away after getting glutened. Now my only symptom that has not gone away is my itchy skin. I don't have any rash or bumps, but my skin just is itchy in different parts of my arms, legs, chest and feet. The itchiness comes and goes, but it seems I have some itchy skin in at some part of my body most of the time. What can I do to get rid of this? Is this something that will take longer to go away?

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jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

Well I have been on a gluten free diet for 5 weeks now, and most of my GI Symptoms have either gone away or reduced significantly. I did have a couple issues of getting gluten inadvertently, and I found that it took about 3 or 4 days for my GI symptoms to go away after getting glutened. Now my only symptom that has not gone away is my itchy skin. I don't have any rash or bumps, but my skin just is itchy in different parts of my arms, legs, chest and feet. The itchiness comes and goes, but it seems I have some itchy skin in at some part of my body most of the time. What can I do to get rid of this? Is this something that will take longer to go away?

Hi and welcome!

That happened to me--I had to switch to unscented, gentle personal care products and "free and clear" type laundry detergent.

missy'smom Collaborator
missy'smom
Posted

I too have to be careful with personal products and dishwashing liquid-not a gluten issue. With my son, allergy testing and dietary elimination and reintroduction has helped up pinpoint triggers for his eczema-itchy skin that shows no rash or visible sign until it is scratched.

Fey Rookie
Fey
Posted

A few days after going gluten free I also had awfully itchy skin, though mine was food/medication related, I believe. Hives and the whole nine yards.

To be safe, I did get gluten free shampoo, conditioner and soap. I'm still itchy occasionally, but it doesn't stick around.

mushroom Proficient
mushroom
Posted

Well I have been on a gluten free diet for 5 weeks now, and most of my GI Symptoms have either gone away or reduced significantly. I did have a couple issues of getting gluten inadvertently, and I found that it took about 3 or 4 days for my GI symptoms to go away after getting glutened. Now my only symptom that has not gone away is my itchy skin. I don't have any rash or bumps, but my skin just is itchy in different parts of my arms, legs, chest and feet. The itchiness comes and goes, but it seems I have some itchy skin in at some part of my body most of the time. What can I do to get rid of this? Is this something that will take longer to go away?

My itchy skin turned out to be intolerances to both soy and potato starch.

linuxprincess Rookie
linuxprincess
Posted

Despite the lack of bumps or blisters, you might still have Dermatitis Herpetiformis or DH. Keep in mind that the damage done to your intestines is going to take up to two years to fully heal. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it is true. I would wait about 6 to 9 months on a solid gluten free diet before eliminating other foods from your diet you feel might be causing problems. DH is commonly aggrivated by iodine (and therefore salt) and dairy, and many people who still itch after going gluten-free for several months will cut these out of their diet to see if this will help.

There are steroid creams that you can get from your doc (helpful for not scratching during the night or when you're trying to concentrate on something). Don't waste your time on the OTC stuff you find in the drug store, it won't work. The Rx is fairly cheap, too. I'm uninsured and get mine refilled about once a year for around $15 or so in Texas.

glutenfr3309 Rookie
glutenfr3309
Posted

i had the same problem. i've always had dry skin but as soon as i went gluten-free i couldn't stop itching. i just associated it with my body expelling the gluten. i immediately switched to dove sensitive skin bodywash and that seemed to do the trick for me.

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rdunbar Explorer
rdunbar
Posted

I've heard that there is "invisable" DH that itches only, and doesn't blister, and is not apparantly to the eye.

There's no rash, just the signature insane itchiness of DH

Mari Contributor
Mari
Posted

I don't use any comercial skin products, shampoos or detergents. I have had itchy skin, lizard skin and other skin problems which slowly cleared up of the gluten-free/df diet. I was glutened last Nov. and the itchy lizard skin took a month to show up and it did not clear up until about Feb. and that's about the time when the antibodies finally were cleared from my body.

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    • klmgarland
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      By klmgarland · Posted

      Thank you so very much Scott.  Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful.  If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
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      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to have to deal with such hyper-vigilance. The fact that you have made your entire home environment, from makeup to cleaners, gluten-free is a big achievement, but it's clear the external world and shared spaces remain a minefield. Considering Dapsone is a logical and often necessary step for many with DH to break the cycle of itching and allow the skin to heal while you continue your detective work; it is a powerful tool to give you back your quality of life and sleep. You are not failing; you are fighting an incredibly steep battle. For a more specific direction, connecting with a dedicated celiac support group (online or locally) can be invaluable, as members exchange the most current, real-world tips for avoiding cross-contamination that you simply won't find in a pamphlet. You have already done the hardest part by getting a correct diagnosis. Now, the community can help you navigate the rest. If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
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