Is My Wife Itching From Celiac Disease?

[Mike1922]

My wife is 33 ans has dealt with an array of medical problems for years which became worse after giving birth to our two children. About 9 months ago she begin itching all over with no rash or superficial signs of a skin problem. We've been to every doctor we can think of. This itching occured after giving birth to both children then went away. Doctors were puzzled then too. A dermatologist recently told her she suspected she may have Celiac Disease. My wife has dealt with unexplained hair loss,sleeping disorder, extreme fatigue, tingling extremeties once in a while, constipation, and other symptoms that most doctors initially suspect is a thyroid problem. Her thyroid numbers have been slightly off before but not enough to suggest a major thyroid problem. Celiac seems to be a real possibility the more I read.

My question is this:

Has anyone ever heard of or experienced itchy skin from celiac disease without the superficial signs of Dermititis Herpetiformis? Last night her itching was so bad she was screaming and crying. She has dealt with depression for years and I am starting to believe that too, may be related to all the physical stress her body has been under by either celiac or a similar disease. i fear she can't take these symtoms much longer without a complete and irreversible mental breakdown. She had to leave her job last year because her symptoms were so bad and we are at the point of desperation. I fear a disease like Celiac but at least we would have a culprit.

I appreciate any feedback anyone can give us on their experience as we await testing.

Thank You!

[frieze]

My wife is 33 ans has dealt with an array of medical problems for years which became worse after giving birth to our two children. About 9 months ago she begin itching all over with no rash or superficial signs of a skin problem. We've been to every doctor we can think of. This itching occured after giving birth to both children then went away. Doctors were puzzled then too. A dermatologist recently told her she suspected she may have Celiac Disease. My wife has dealt with unexplained hair loss,sleeping disorder, extreme fatigue, tingling extremeties once in a while, constipation, and other symptoms that most doctors initially suspect is a thyroid problem. Her thyroid numbers have been slightly off before but not enough to suggest a major thyroid problem. Celiac seems to be a real possibility the more I read.

My question is this:

Has anyone ever heard of or experienced itchy skin from celiac disease without the superficial signs of Dermititis Herpetiformis? Last night her itching was so bad she was screaming and crying. She has dealt with depression for years and I am starting to believe that too, may be related to all the physical stress her body has been under by either celiac or a similar disease. i fear she can't take these symtoms much longer without a complete and irreversible mental breakdown. She had to leave her job last year because her symptoms were so bad and we are at the point of desperation. I fear a disease like Celiac but at least we would have a culprit.

I appreciate any feedback anyone can give us on their experience as we await testing.

Thank You!

[pricklypear1971]

I suggest she be tested for autoimmune diseases in general, if not Celiac. She sounds ai..,and when I say that I mean the weirdness of it and the fact doctors can't dx it. Ai is often the culprit.

1) there's no correlation between tsh numbers and the severity of the symptoms. Having a "slightly off" thyroid is like having a slightly broken leg, get it??? My tsh was barely over the lab limit (5.6) and I was thyroid MISERABLE. Depression, exhaustion, c, withdrawal, inability to exercise.... She needs to be tested for thyroid antibodies as well as tsh, t3/4. Don't take NO for an answer from her doctor. Get her thyroid treated.

2) of you suspect Celiac have her tested. Make sure you get THE FULL CELIAC PANEL. Open Original Shared Link

[kareng]

There are a few reasons for itching with no rash besides Celiac.

Decrease in female Hormones - especially after having a child. Decreasing hormones can cause itching with or without dry skin.

Skin fungus- My son has had this. It doesn't show but can cause itching and no rash. The cure is to wash the skin with Head and Shoulders. Helped him a lot.

Flushing (?) - My son has this too. Oatmeal baths help. You need the white milky water that soaked oatmeal makes. Helped alot.

Dry skin- even if not obviously dry, try a moisturizer like Cerave (its gluten-free).

Came back to fix this as I keep geting interupted .....interupted again!

[GFinDC]

Hi Mike,

Have the docs checked her vitamins and mineral levels? Celiac can cause malabsorption of nutrients and she may be low on something her skin or nerves need. Problem is it is hard to correct deficiencies with diet or pills if your gut doesn't absorb it. So if she is celiac it may take some time on the gluten-free diet for the symptoms to resolve. Do anti-histiamines help?

Some starting the gluten-free diet tips for the first 6 months:

Get tested before starting the gluten-free diet.

Don't eat in restaurants

Eat only whole foods not processed foods.

Eat only food you cook yourself, think simple foods, not gourmet meals.

Take probiotics.

Take gluten-free vitamins.

Take digestive enzymes.

Avoid dairy.

Avoid sugars and starchy foods.

Avoid alcohol.

FAQ Celiac com

https://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/forum-7/announcement-3-frequently-asked-questions-about-celiac-disease/

Newbie Info 101

What's For Breakfast Today?

What Did You Have For Lunch Today?

What Are You Cooking Tonight?

Dessert thread

Easy yummy bread in minutes

How bad is cheating?

Short temper thread

Non celiac wheat sensitivity article

Open Original Shared Link

[1desperateladysaved]

I just want to say thank you for supporting your wife. I hope you will find a cause and be able to ease her suffering.

[frieze]

I am wondering if it could be neuro, ie not in the skin at all?