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Does Super Sensitivity Exist?

weluvgators

By weluvgators
in Super Sensitive People

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Di2011 Enthusiast
Di2011
Posted

This is an interesting thread.

I went to work at a bakery in Aug 2010 after most of life avoiding gluten subconciously (avoided breakfast, didn't like pizza/pasta etc etc). In May 2011 I got another (almost continuous by that stage) "virus" sinus infection, had almost a week off work. The first day back at work I left at the end of 6hours with DH rash all over. In hind sight the majority of symptoms where more like allergy - I'd had to repeat my asthma spray prescription repeatedly, my sinus was a mess, and I seemed to have my hayfever all year round.

But now gluten free all the allergy-typical symptoms have gone. After years of problems. A box of tissues a week to a box of tissues a month or more. But the DH is persistent as is normal for this skin condition however the community view of DH = celiac is interesting given my allergy type history. If only there was money in researching these issues. Unfortunately just taking out gluten means there is no industry interest ie finance for research.

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Skylark Collaborator
Skylark
Posted

Ugh, that sounds terrible!

You must not be aware of the research going into celiac. It's considered an emerging market and venture capital is pouring into it. You might enjoy checking out Alba Therapeutics, ImmusanT, and Alvine Pharmaceuticals.

It's not merely a "community view" that DH = celiac. It's a well-documented medical fact. There are IgA antibodies in a DH skin biopsy. If your rash has definitely been diagnosed as DH by biopsy, you sure do have an interesting (and uncomfortable-sounding) combo of allergy and autoimmunity. If the rash hasn't been biopsied I'd be wondering if it were a severe allergy and tracking down sources of wheat exposure!

shayre Enthusiast
shayre
Posted

Okay, I have not had time to read every post under this thread, but how do you know what ppm you are sensitive to when it's under 5ppm contamination? I have figured out that I react to any products that test only to 10ppm...and some that test to 5ppm. I appear to be okay with levels "undetected" at 5ppm, but lately all of the trouble has started again for me. I only know this by calling the manufacturers. If companies can only test down to 5ppm if they choose to go that low, then how do you know if you react to 1ppm or 3ppm, etc? I think that my body might have just reset itself more sensitive. I am going to post a related question on this now.

dilettantesteph Collaborator
dilettantesteph
Posted

how do you know if you react to 1ppm or 3ppm, etc?

I guess that if you react to a tiny bite of something tested to 10 ppm, then you can assume that you would react to a larger amount of something tested to 1 ppm, if that test were possible.

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      New (possible) celiac diagnosis

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    • Judy M
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      By Judy M · Posted

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    • 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.
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      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. 
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