Dermatitis Outbreak Without Gluten

[onthemend]

I have maintained a gluten free diet for 13 years and dh has been managed quite effectively.

Recently, I have had a tremendous outbreak on my arms. ( ANd it is dh....nothing else feels the same)

I am treated by a very good dematologist, however, I think I am more knowledgable than he is since I have more experience.

Has anyone else had this experience and what causes it?

I rarely take dapasone, but am currently taking 100mg per day.

[captaincrab55]

I've been gluten-free for just over 3 years. I took 25 mg of Dapsone for about a year. I was OK till about 3 months ago and got the itch again. I saw my Dermatologist(Howard Robinson) in Bel Air Md and he told me they find this just happens sometimes from the DH without Gluten. I'm back on 25mg of Dapsone for 4 to 6 months. I'll need another blood lab this month, to make sure I can continue taking the Dapsone.

[cahill]

I have maintained a gluten free diet for 13 years and dh has been managed quite effectively.

Recently, I have had a tremendous outbreak on my arms. ( ANd it is dh....nothing else feels the same)

I am treated by a very good dematologist, however, I think I am more knowledgable than he is since I have more experience.

Has anyone else had this experience and what causes it?

I rarely take dapasone, but am currently taking 100mg per day.

My iodine intake effects my DH.

One of the worst breakouts I ever had was when I was taking a (gluten free) vitamin that contained had a fairly high dosage of iodine .

[eatmeat4good]

So sorry you are having an outbreak. 13 years is very impressive for holding DH at bay, so obviously you are very good at avoiding gluten. The other factor for some people is iodine. Iodine can keep the antibodies active in the skin. Have you ever had to limit iodine for controlling your DH? I had to limit iodine in addition to total gluten avoidance to get my DH to heal. If you suspect this may be a problem for you, you can go to Thyca.com for the low iodine diet.

It is my understanding that gluten causes DH, but the iodine can keep the antibodies active in the skin and prevent DH from healing. The antibodies can remain in the skin for up to 10 years according to research I read not long ago. I will try to find that link for you. Gluten contamination would be the first suspect, but if you are sure you have been gluten free, then maybe you are reacting to iodine now even though you may not have in the past?

Squirmingitch put together a long list of links titled Interesting Reading on DH that includes everything you ever wanted to know about DH. Also some people with DH are sensitive to salicylates and need to minimize them to heal properly. I had to minimize salicylates for a while, but now seem to be able to tolerate them again. NSAIDS often cause DH to flare and there is research on that too. Do you take any NSAIDS?

[squirmingitch]

Have you had any medical procedures lately such as a CT scan with "contrast"? A lot of things like that use iodine for the contrast. That's a good way to get a fast load of iodine. Something to think about.....

[cahill]

Have you had any medical procedures lately such as a CT scan with "contrast"? A lot of things like that use iodine for the contrast. That's a good way to get a fast load of iodine. Something to think about.....

I am glad you mentioned that ,, I just automatically refuse the contrast for that reason.

[squirmingitch]

I am glad you mentioned that ,, I just automatically refuse the contrast for that reason.

I know. I live in terror of the day they say I ABSOLUTELY HAVE to have the contrast.