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

Burning Skin

Andrew10

Recommended Posts

Andrew10 Newbie
Andrew10
Posted

Hi,

Ive had burning on my whole back and my arms and also my shoulders. Do you think this can be from celiac and or gluten.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


eatmeat4good Enthusiast
eatmeat4good
Posted

Yes, Celiac can cause burning sensations on the skin. Other things can too. If it is the skin form of Celiac called Dermatitis Herpetiformis one often has the burning sensation before the rash breaks out in the area that is affected. Have you ever gotten a rash? Or hive-like reaction? or watery blisters? or mosquito bite like lesions? If so you might consider DH. But I do know of one Celiac who gets the burning skin sensations without any rash. Hopefully she will post.

Andrew10 Newbie
Andrew10
Posted
  • Author

Yes, Celiac can cause burning sensations on the skin. Other things can too. If it is the skin form of Celiac called Dermatitis Herpetiformis one often has the burning sensation before the rash breaks out in the area that is affected. Have you ever gotten a rash? Or hive-like reaction? or watery blisters? or mosquito bite like lesions? If so you might consider DH. But I do know of one Celiac who gets the burning skin sensations without any rash. Hopefully she will post.

I get the burning skin sensation without any visible rashes. Is this rare or do you think it can be caused from anxiety or something else?

ciamarie Rookie
ciamarie
Posted

It's also possible that it's a reaction to something else. Anything from your bath soap / shampoo or conditioner to something you ate, or additives in something you ate. I'd suspect there would be more than 1 symptom if it were celiac. You might want to look at anything new in your environment or something you ate up to 24-48 hours before the burning sensation. I know for me, I get itchy but not much of a burning sensation with DH.

twe0708 Community Regular
twe0708
Posted

Hi,

Ive had burning on my whole back and my arms and also my shoulders. Do you think this can be from celiac and or gluten.

I've had burning skin too, but no rash. Mine is on my left calf and feels as if I burned my calf or scraped it. There isn't anything to see, just the burning. Not sure if it's related to peripheral neuropathy.

curlyfries Contributor
curlyfries
Posted

I used to get a burning sensation on my forearm, and as others have said, no visible symptoms. I think it was one of my many symptoms of celiac, although it never seemed to happen if I was accidentally glutened. I can't remember the last time it occurred, so I feel that I have finally healed from that and other issues I was dealing with in the beginning.

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

. But I do know of one Celiac who gets the burning skin sensations without any rash. Hopefully she will post.

well, I guess --since Eatmeat4good and I are friends---that would be me!

I suffered horrible burning sensations from my scalp to my toes. EVERYWHERE.

I felt like I was on fire.

It is not caused by anxiety--it is a histamine response from celiac. My new GI doc tells me anything can happen with celiac.

No one could tell me what it was. (neurologists, dermatologists, allergists, etc) I was also red (like I had a sunburn ) and I had a burning face. (I was tested repeatedly, it was not lupus,MS etc.) I had several neurological issues as a result of gluten, but they are resolving.

It was this burning that "got my attention" back in Feb. 2008 and the first indicator that something was going very, very wrong inside me. I had other health problems and gastro symptoms prior to that but "lived with them"...Dozens of symptoms developed after that, and it took nearly 3 years to be DXed. I figured it out myself.

The burning has tamped down a bit, but it is extremely uncomfortable and is worse if I am accidentally glutened. I also had small red blistery sores on my scalp and itchy skin, my scalp peeled and was bright red, but that has all diminished now. The doctor said it is not DH, but almost like a pre-cursor to it.

The burning is still with me, but it is less --and others on here have told me that it disappeared eventually---but it took some time. I remain hopeful that it will go away as my gut heals and the celiac goes into remission. :)

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


  • 4 months later...
jobwabe Rookie
jobwabe
Posted

I have had burning sensations now for about 2 years. Originally started on the bottoms of both feet. Then that stops and the top of both my feet as well as both my shins will start burning. As that stops, I get the same sensations on both my thighs, then when that ends, on both my forearms, then later on the front and back of my trunk. The first time, this cycle ended with a rash on my back as well as my stomach and some on chest. But as I have again cycled through this same scenario, it ends with little or no rash. My sensitivity to outdoor heat has changed for the worst as of late as I'll get lethargic and feeling ill at temps in the 90s even with me being at rest in the shade on the hot day! Been to Rheumatologist to test for all that he knows but with no negative results. Thyroid tests well. Oh well, am getting a bit used to the heat sensations by now.

Di2011 Enthusiast
Di2011
Posted

I have had burning sensations now for about 2 years. Originally started on the bottoms of both feet. Then that stops and the top of both my feet as well as both my shins will start burning. As that stops, I get the same sensations on both my thighs, then when that ends, on both my forearms, then later on the front and back of my trunk. The first time, this cycle ended with a rash on my back as well as my stomach and some on chest. But as I have again cycled through this same scenario, it ends with little or no rash. My sensitivity to outdoor heat has changed for the worst as of late as I'll get lethargic and feeling ill at temps in the 90s even with me being at rest in the shade on the hot day! Been to Rheumatologist to test for all that he knows but with no negative results. Thyroid tests well. Oh well, am getting a bit used to the heat sensations by now.

Hi jobwabe, this is a pretty old thread but since you are relatively new I thought I'd respond to your post.

As suggested earlier this burning is very (perhaps even universal) common in us that suffer from Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH). You might want to go to the DH thread. You'll get lots of useful advice there. We also tend to be super sensitive to any eaten or topical gluten so we also tend to keep an eye on the 'Super Sensitive' threads.

Welcome.. I hope you get some helpful advice and support here.

missy'smom Collaborator
missy'smom
Posted

I am latex(natural rubber) allergic and spandex burns my skin. No jeans, bras etc. with spandex for me anymore. I have to search out 100% cotton with no elastic straps, bands etc.

MichelleD Newbie
MichelleD
Posted

A week after i stopped eating gluten, I ate sweet potato fries and my arms face and head were burning and itchy and my eyes started watering. I took benedryl and the itching stopped. I looked into DH, I do have a rash on my back but it does not have blisters so I'm not sure if it's that. I have had this reaction 2 more times (now my tongue swells too) The only link I can find is eating gluten without knowing (happens alot after salad, so not using dressing anymore)

benXX Rookie
benXX
Posted

I found that using baby powder soothes the skin.

Beware not to use the so called cooling powder or Prickly Heat though, as that will drive you insane.

Ben

(Still trying to figure out how to insert my signature text)

missy'smom Collaborator
missy'smom
Posted

A week after i stopped eating gluten, I ate sweet potato fries and my arms face and head were burning and itchy and my eyes started watering. I took benedryl and the itching stopped. I looked into DH, I do have a rash on my back but it does not have blisters so I'm not sure if it's that. I have had this reaction 2 more times (now my tongue swells too) The only link I can find is eating gluten without knowing (happens alot after salad, so not using dressing anymore)

You should check the oils in the dressing and fries and see if they have something in common. I react to soy and sunflower oils(allergy).

Di2011 Enthusiast
Di2011
Posted

A week after i stopped eating gluten, I ate sweet potato fries and my arms face and head were burning and itchy and my eyes started watering. I took benedryl and the itching stopped. I looked into DH, I do have a rash on my back but it does not have blisters so I'm not sure if it's that. I have had this reaction 2 more times (now my tongue swells too) The only link I can find is eating gluten without knowing (happens alot after salad, so not using dressing anymore)

Sounds like classic allergy reactions. Tongue swelling is a bit scary. If you haven't already you MUST get allergy testing done. Tongue swelling is often a pre-cursor to restricted throat and death.. may sound a bit dramatic but the reality is it can kill. I have what appears to be intolerance and wheat allergy (but my allergy reaction is much milder than yours). The intolerance tends to maim and kill in the medium-long term but your allergy reaction to something you need to get sorted out ASAP.

benXX Rookie
benXX
Posted

...Tongue swelling is a bit scary...

To take out some of the drama: Tongue swelling is also a very common reaction to MSG.

missy'smom Collaborator
missy'smom
Posted

To take out some of the drama: Tongue swelling is also a very common reaction to MSG.

Not too much drama I think. No need to panic, certainly, be calm and be wise and follow up with an allergist and testing. What was described are classic allergy reaction and the poster reported multiple symptoms and reaction multiple times. Anaphylaxis can start in ways we don't generally hear about and would not expect. Allergies can progress. I have an epi-pen. Never had to use it so far. Scares me but I am glad to have it since my allergies have progressed in ways I didn't expect. Things can turn and suprize us but our bodies often give us some warning signs. I don't mind "wasting" the $35 copay the last 2 years.

MichelleD Newbie
MichelleD
Posted

I did have a food allergy panel run and am waiting for the results. The soy oil is a good possibility since It happened with salad as well, I will check my salad dressings. I eat tons of sunflower seeds watching my kids play sports, will have to keep an eye on that as well. Thanks for the help =)

Archived

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

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


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,912
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    westman3d
    Newest Member
    westman3d
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

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



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Rogol72
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By Rogol72 · Posted

      @klmgarland, My dermatitis herpetiformis didn't clear up until I became meticulous about cross contamination. I cut out gluten-free oats and all gluten-free foods, dairy and gluten-free rice. Additionally, getting the right amount of protein for my body weight helped significantly in my body's healing process ... along with supplementing with enough of all the vitamins and minerals ... especially Zinc and Magnesium. I went from 70kg to 82kg in a year. Protein with each meal 3 times daily, especially eggs at breakfast made the difference. I'm not sure whether iodine was a problem for me, but I can tolerate iodine no problem now. I'm off Dapsone and feel great. Not a sign of an itch. So there is hope. I'm not advocating for the use of Dapsone, but it can bring a huge amount of relief despite it's effect on red blood cells. The itch is so distracting and debilitating. I tried many times to get off it, it wasn't until I implemented the changes above and was consistent that I got off it. Dermatitis Herpetiformis is horrible, I wouldn't wish it on anyone.  
    • klmgarland
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      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!!
    • Scott Adams
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      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:  
    • Scott Adams
      My only proof

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating that the medical system often requires more contemporary, formal documentation to take a condition seriously. It's a common and deeply unfair situation for those who were diagnosed decades ago, before current record-keeping and testing were standard. You are not alone in this struggle.
    • Scott Adams
      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many people, it can be very effective at reducing inflammation and providing rapid relief from symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, often serving as a short-term "rescue" treatment to bring a severe flare under control. However, experiences can vary, and its effectiveness depends heavily on the specific cause of the inflammation. It's also important to be aware that while it can work well, it comes with potential side effects, especially with longer-term use, so it's typically used for the shortest duration possible under close medical supervision. It's always best to discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your situation with your gastroenterologist.
×
×
  • 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.