Your happily living life and BAM, you are hit with these odd skin disorders out of nowhere. What is happening? Perhaps you have tried topical ointments or creams, antibiotics, or a plethora of other products in an attempt to clear up some kind of skin disorder. They may have worked or not but the temporary solution is just that.The disorder returns without warning, you feel that there must be something else. It is possible that Gluten Intolerance or Celiac Disease may be at the root of your skin problems. The good news is that paleo could help!
YOU can also visit the GlutenFreeHelp.info website for many more possible symptoms of Gluten or Celiac Disease.
Dermatitis Herpetiformis(DH) is one such skin aliment that occurs as a result of ingesting gluten. It is one of the “itches” that won’t go away without proper treatment.
As a Paleo recipe develope , writer and author I have a strong interest in issues relating to people of all ages and I like to see people properly informed. Anyone can get this skin disorder. Although dermatitis herpetiformis usually occurs for life once it appears, permanent remission is reported to occur in 10-20 percent of patients, usually after long-term adherence to a gluten-free diet.
Why is it that all of a sudden an adult develops a gluten intolerance or has celiac disease? There are various reasons it can “turn on” in adulthood or the baby boomer. One reason may be a stressful situation in one’s life. There is also the possibility that it had been there before yet it surfaced with symptoms crying out louder much later in life.
DH was first described as a distinct clinical entity in 1884 by an American dermatologist, Louis Duhring. But it wasn’t until 1967 that it was actually linked to gluten sensitivity-intolerance. Instead of digesting gluten, the body fights it with an antibody (called IgA) that is produced in the lining of the intestines. When IgA combines with ingested gluten, the combined antibody/gluten substance circulates in the bloodstream and eventually clogs up the small blood vessels in the skin.The clog attracts white blood cells brought in by the body to fight the invasion. The white blood cells, in turn, release powerful chemicals that create the rash. Typically, DH is characterized by small groups of itchy blisters, often on red plaques, located on the back of the elbows and forearms, on the buttocks and in the front of the knees. But, the rash can occur in other places on the body, including the face, scalp, back and trunk.
With a gluten Intolerance or celiac disease the body has a greater inability to properly absorb and distribute nutrients, therefore deficiencies in vitamins and minerals develop. Vitamins A and D contribute to healthy skin.Vitamin A is consumed in controlling inflammations, so Celiacs need more Vitamin A to begin with. A case of dry or flaky skin, or chronic split heels could suggest either mal-absorption from undiagnosed gluten intolerance or malnutrition.
A solution to these ailments may been a gluten free diet and even better, the paleo diet! There are also creams and treatments that will aid in the healing and itching but the real culprit may be the gluten and the ailment will not truly go away until the culprit is determined.
I highly suggest if any skin ailment is non-responsive, talk to your practitioner or nutritionist about testing for gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.Your world can change with the proper diagnosis and treatment. For more information please email me. I welcome your feedback and questions as always.
If you have any questions or suggestions just email me at Tina (at) Paleomazing.com.
I'm a cookbook-collecting, recipe-developing paleo junkie, and I live in the kitchen. I'm hooked on farmers' markets, traveling, eating healthy, and hiking until my legs scream at me. There's nothing better than hanging out with family and good friends. I have fun and sleeping is just plain boring. Read more About Tina Turbin.
