Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Rough Cracked Skin On Fingertips

Rickbscuba

Recommended Posts

Rickbscuba Newbie
Rickbscuba
Posted

Since 2007 I've noticed my fingertips and sometimes heels cracking/spliting as a result of Gluten diet. Cut out Gluten and this goes away. Also, loss of some sensation in my fingertips as well.

Has anyone else presented with this and any tips outside the obvious Gluten free diet?

Cheers

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

My hub gets this on his fingers. The dermatologist said he has destroyed layers of skin. She gave him some anti-fungals to use first, just to make sure there wasn't anything gross growing there. Then he is to dampen his hands slather up with Cerave cream (told me its gluten-free about 1 year ago) & wear cotton gloves to bed. He also uses the Cerave during the day. He puts Liquid Skin (like a glue) on the cracks (not sure if gluten-free).

Olive oil will soak in well then cover with Cerave or chapstick. the key is to constantly re-apply all day.

keithceliac2010 Rookie
keithceliac2010
Posted

Welcome Rickscuba!! Yes, I can definitely relate to the cracked heals issue. I suffered from terrible rough and cracking skin all over my feet(not just limited to my heals) Of main concern was the dry cracking on my toes. In fact, the cracks went so deep(almost to my bone) that I developed ulcers on my toes, which led to infection, which in turn led to amputation of my big toe and 2nd toe on my left foot(I am not diabetic) Had 4 foot surgeries and doctors had no answer as to why this was occurring in my feet. Recently, I have developed the same cracking on my right foot and toes on right foot-also get tingling and burning in them regularly. I have been gluten free for 9 weeks now and my physical and mental health have improved tremendously. I know that neuropathy can develop in feet and hands of celiacs/gluten intolerance and I do have neuropathy as well in both my feet. I am hoping that whatever the issue with my feet, that staying gluten free will turn things around with my feet, otherwise may require amputation of toe on my right foot. I do not have any advice for remedies for you but thought I would at least share my similar story with you. Good luck.

Rickbscuba Newbie
Rickbscuba
Posted
  • Author

My hub gets this on his fingers. The dermatologist said he has destroyed layers of skin. She gave him some anti-fungals to use first, just to make sure there wasn't anything gross growing there. Then he is to dampen his hands slather up with Cerave cream (told me its gluten-free about 1 year ago) & wear cotton gloves to bed. He also uses the Cerave during the day. He puts Liquid Skin (like a glue) on the cracks (not sure if gluten-free).

Olive oil will soak in well then cover with Cerave or chapstick. the key is to constantly re-apply all day.

Thank you for your feed back. I am happy (I guess) that there are others who can share some tips for me regarding this strange situation

Rickbscuba Newbie
Rickbscuba
Posted
  • Author

Welcome Rickscuba!! Yes, I can definitely relate to the cracked heals issue. I suffered from terrible rough and cracking skin all over my feet(not just limited to my heals) Of main concern was the dry cracking on my toes. In fact, the cracks went so deep(almost to my bone) that I developed ulcers on my toes, which led to infection, which in turn led to amputation of my big toe and 2nd toe on my left foot(I am not diabetic) Had 4 foot surgeries and doctors had no answer as to why this was occurring in my feet. Recently, I have developed the same cracking on my right foot and toes on right foot-also get tingling and burning in them regularly. I have been gluten free for 9 weeks now and my physical and mental health have improved tremendously. I know that neuropathy can develop in feet and hands of celiacs/gluten intolerance and I do have neuropathy as well in both my feet. I am hoping that whatever the issue with my feet, that staying gluten free will turn things around with my feet, otherwise may require amputation of toe on my right foot. I do not have any advice for remedies for you but thought I would at least share my similar story with you. Good luck.

Wow, Thank you for the story. Sounds like a rough road for you. I will do my best to not let things get to this point. The body is a crazy beast isn't it!

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,899
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    dcarter1682
    Newest Member
    dcarter1682
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      New (possible) celiac diagnosis

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @Judy M! Yes, he definitely needs to continue eating gluten until the day of the endoscopy. Not sure why the GI doc advised otherwise but it was a bum steer.  Celiac disease has a genetic component but also an "epigenetic" component. Let me explain. There are two main genes that have been identified as providing the "potential" to develop "active" celiac disease. We know them as HLA-DQ 2.5 (aka, HLA-DQ 2) and HLA-DQ8. Without one or both of these genes it is highly unlikely that a person will develop celiac disease at some point in their life. About 40% of the general population carry one or both of these two genes but only about 1% of the population develops active celiac disease. Thus, possessing the genetic potential for celiac disease is far less than deterministic. Most who have the potential never develop the disease. In order for the potential to develop celiac disease to turn into active celiac disease, some triggering stress event or events must "turn on" the latent genes. This triggering stress event can be a viral infection, some other medical event, or even prolonged psychological/emotional trauma. This part of the equation is difficult to quantify but this is the epigenetic dimension of the disease. Epigenetics has to do with the influence that environmental factors and things not coded into the DNA itself have to do in "turning on" susceptible genes. And this is why celiac disease can develop at any stage of life. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition (not a food allergy) that causes inflammation in the lining of the small bowel. The ingestion of gluten causes the body to attack the cells of this lining which, over time, damages and destroys them, impairing the body's ability to absorb nutrients since this is the part of the intestinal track responsible for nutrient absorption and also causing numerous other food sensitivities such as dairy/lactose intolerance. There is another gluten-related disorder known as NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity or just, "gluten sensitivity") that is not autoimmune in nature and which does not damage the small bowel lining. However, NCGS shares many of the same symptoms with celiac disease such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. It is also much more common than celiac disease. There is no test for NCGS so, because they share common symptoms, celiac disease must first be ruled out through formal testing for celiac disease. This is where your husband is right now. It should also be said that some experts believe NCGS can transition into celiac disease. I hope this helps.
    • Judy M
      New (possible) celiac diagnosis

      By Judy M · Posted

      My husband has had lactose intolerance for his entire life (he's 68 yo).  So, he's used to gastro issues. But for the past year he's been experiencing bouts of diarrhea that last for hours.  He finally went to his gastroenterologist ... several blood tests ruled out other maladies, but his celiac results are suspect.  He is scheduled for an endoscopy and colonoscopy in 2 weeks.  He was told to eat "gluten free" until the tests!!!  I, and he know nothing about this "diet" much less how to navigate his in daily life!! The more I read, the more my head is spinning.  So I guess I have 2 questions.  First, I read on this website that prior to testing, eat gluten so as not to compromise the testing!  Is that true? His primary care doctor told him to eat gluten free prior to testing!  I'm so confused.  Second, I read that celiac disease is genetic or caused by other ways such as surgery.  No family history but Gall bladder removal 7 years ago, maybe?  But how in God's name does something like this crop up and now is so awful he can't go a day without worrying.  He still works in Manhattan and considers himself lucky if he gets there without incident!  Advice from those who know would be appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!
    • Scott Adams
      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      You've done an excellent job of meticulously tracking the rash's unpredictable behavior, from its symmetrical spread and stubborn scabbing to the potential triggers you've identified, like the asthma medication and dietary changes. It's particularly telling that the rash seems to flare with wheat consumption, even though your initial blood test was negative—as you've noted, being off wheat before a test can sometimes lead to a false negative, and your description of the other symptoms—joint pain, brain fog, stomach issues—is very compelling. The symmetry of the rash is a crucial detail that often points toward an internal cause, such as an autoimmune response or a systemic reaction, rather than just an external irritant like a plant or mites. I hope your doctor tomorrow takes the time to listen carefully to all of this evidence you've gathered and works with you to find some real answers and effective relief. Don't be discouraged if the rash fluctuates; your detailed history is the most valuable tool you have for getting an accurate diagnosis.
    • Scott Adams
      Gluten free beer ?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      In this case the beer is excellent, but for those who are super sensitive it is likely better to go the full gluten-free beer route. Lakefront Brewery (another sponsor!) has good gluten-free beer made without any gluten ingredients.
    • trents
      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @catsrlife! Celiac disease can be diagnosed without committing to a full-blown "gluten challenge" if you get a skin biopsy done during an active outbreak of dermatitis herpetiformis, assuming that is what is causing the rash. There is no other known cause for dermatitis herpetiformis so it is definitive for celiac disease. You would need to find a dermatologist who is familiar with doing the biopsy correctly, however. The samples need to be taken next to the pustules, not on them . . . a mistake many dermatologists make when biopsying for dermatitis herpetiformis. 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.