Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • 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

Severe Itching After Taking Baths..

aeshlea

By aeshlea
in Related Issues & Disorders

Recommended Posts

aeshlea Apprentice
aeshlea
Posted

So..I was just recently diagnosed as having a wheat intolerance. I am new to the forum and so thankful for the help I have received about the questions I have posted. I was lying in bed tonight after a bath and my feet were itching like crazy, also my palms a little. This is not new for me...for a long time I have had to be careful with how long I take baths for, or at least how long I let my feet and hands soak, because RIGHT after I get out I have crazy painful itching on them. It lasts anywhere between 10-30mins...depending on if I let myself itch or not. Nothing actually changes with the skin itself...maybe red from the itching...but no hives or anything like that. So as I have recently tested positive for wheat intolerance I thought 'Hell, this could have something to do with that maybe' so I looked it up and a found a few random things about people having this (I think its called aquagenic pruritis?) and it being related to celiac disease. I am wondering if any of you out there have experienced this??

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

I used to get this effect also and it would also involve my lower legs, but it was secondary to the 'about to pass out effect' that I would get from a hot bath.

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

I used to have this terribly before I was gluten-free, but going gluten-free didn't totally stop it. Even the shower spray on my skin would begin the burn/itching.

I also switched laundry detergents--I use Purex Free and Clear. I use very mild soaps and gluten-free shampoo and lotion.

Also, I had other food sensitivites, and figuring out what they were (through elimination diet) and avoiding them has also helped. Since you're intolerant to wheat, it's quite possible that you may have other intolerances.

My skin is still much more sensitive than it once was, but I don't get the awful itching anymore unless accidently glutened. Then, I will get it especially on my upper arms and legs.

  • 4 weeks later...
yukionna Newbie
yukionna
Posted

Hi Aeshlea,

just saw your post and thought I'd give my two cents..

I've had problems with itchy skin for ages and tried just about anything to find out what's causing it. My dermatologist says, it's something that accompanies chronical deseases and they don't really know why. I observed that it's worse when my immunesystem seems to be busy, eg when I'm developing a cold, or the week before my period starts. Stress is always a big influence, and yes, hot showers and baths make it worse. What helps is to cool the skin, you know those jelly packs you can keep in the fridge, stuff like that.

Iris

Guest swezzan
Guest swezzan
Posted

:) Hi there,

I know this might seem simply to your question about being itchy after bathing but how u considered that that shampoo u use might have a derivative of a wheat protein in it or even what you use as an additive to the bath water would do it.

For some just feeling the gluten on their skin causes a reaction. One does not notice the connection until u stay away from it for a while.

It took me the better part of a yr to realize that my shampoo had wheat protein, as most do, and it was causing the itch, dandruff, and my hair falling out. Good luck swezzan

TestyTommy Rookie
TestyTommy
Posted

I have really dry skin, too. It was one of my first symptoms when I got sick years ago. It's improved since being gluten-free, but it's not gone. One doctor I saw said it's caused by 'activated mast cells'. Mast cells are part of the immune system and located in the lower layer of skin. They produce antibodies.

It helps to keep your showers short and then immediately use lotion while your skin is still damp. I'm very sensitive to fragrances, so I like to use Kiss My Face's Olive & Aloe. Lubriderm for sensitive skin is okay, too.

Dandelion Contributor
Dandelion
Posted

I remember reading in a magazine that when you take a hot shower or bath the hot water cause a large amount of histamine to rush to the skin surface making it temporarily itch more. Maybe soaking in the bath is causing this for you? If I find the link I will post it.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Fiddle-Faddle Community Regular
Fiddle-Faddle
Posted

Two thoughts:

1) Are you using oatmeal baths? Oatmeal is NOT good for celiacs! Besides for a huge amount of cross-contamination with wheat, it also contains a protein that is molecularly similar to gluten, and many celiacs react to it.

2) What you have might actually be dermatitis herpetiformis, which ONLY celiacs get (and it's horribly itchy). You can be celiac and not have DH, but if you have DH, you definitely have celiac. Baths seem to make it worse, for some reason, but I don't know why.

  • 6 months later...
karenleigh Newbie
karenleigh
Posted

I also have intolerable itching on my feet and somtimes on the palms of my hands after a bath.

I have severe seasonal allergies and am very allergic to raw apples and hazelnuts.

Maybe i also have a wheat intolerance. I have never met anyone else with these symptoms.

I ususally put gold bond powder on my feet and cover them with socks. This helps a bit.

I love to take baths and it is ssssoooo annoying.... :(

babysteps Contributor
babysteps
Posted
I have really dry skin, too. It was one of my first symptoms when I got sick years ago. It's improved since being gluten-free, but it's not gone. One doctor I saw said it's caused by 'activated mast cells'. Mast cells are part of the immune system and located in the lower layer of skin. They produce antibodies.

It helps to keep your showers short and then immediately use lotion while your skin is still damp. I'm very sensitive to fragrances, so I like to use Kiss My Face's Olive & Aloe. Lubriderm for sensitive skin is okay, too.

I'm sensitive to fragrance, too.

Once I went to gluten-free and fragrance free personal care products (soap, detergent, shampoo, deodorant, lotion etc) my skin got much less 'cranky', or at least cranky a lot less of the time! For whatever reason I didn't go to fragrance free shampoo until much later than my other items, I guess I didn't think it was as much of a problem - but when I did, wow, big difference for me.

  • 3 weeks later...
fedora Enthusiast
fedora
Posted

I wanted to bring this post back up. I usually shower, but when I take a bath I get head itching in the middle of the night. I use the exact same products(all gluten free). I shower first. Then I soak in a clean bath. This last time I even rinsed off my head again after getting out. I still itched like crazy. It is the lower half of the back of my head. Not my neck at all. Any opinions on why it would be just my head???

Aleshia Contributor
Aleshia
Posted
So..I was just recently diagnosed as having a wheat intolerance. I am new to the forum and so thankful for the help I have received about the questions I have posted. I was lying in bed tonight after a bath and my feet were itching like crazy, also my palms a little. This is not new for me...for a long time I have had to be careful with how long I take baths for, or at least how long I let my feet and hands soak, because RIGHT after I get out I have crazy painful itching on them. It lasts anywhere between 10-30mins...depending on if I let myself itch or not. Nothing actually changes with the skin itself...maybe red from the itching...but no hives or anything like that. So as I have recently tested positive for wheat intolerance I thought 'Hell, this could have something to do with that maybe' so I looked it up and a found a few random things about people having this (I think its called aquagenic pruritis?) and it being related to celiac disease. I am wondering if any of you out there have experienced this??

I get this. its not just on my hands and feet though... its everywhere! worst on my face and neck. I get it after a shower. my naturopath said it is yeast related. and I know a lot of celiacs seem to have yeast/candida problems in their gut....

darlindeb25 Collaborator
darlindeb25
Posted

Does this ever bring back memories!!!! :( My sister and I both had this, except on our legs, before going gluten free. We lived in rural Michigan, she still does. In rural areas, you have your own wells, if you dont have a water softener and condition your own water, this itching is even worse!!! 30 mins would have been a relief!!! After going gluten free, the itching did slowly ease up, now it only happens if I use a product with gluten or some other grain in it.

ShayFL Enthusiast
ShayFL
Posted

Having neurological issues, I can say that "itching" can have to do with nerves. If they are stimulated by something such as water pressure or heat, all sorts of strange reactions can occur. I get the itching. If I turn on the electric blanket in the winter I itch like mad. I dont take baths in as long as I can remember. I know I dont like the shower "hot". Tepid even in winter and this keeps the itching down a lot.

AndrewNYC Explorer
AndrewNYC
Posted

You might be allergic to water. I recommend you carry an umbrella at all times.

debmidge Rising Star
debmidge
Posted

I am thinking it's something in your soap - read the ingredients "Aveno" or words which

look this this mean "oats". Again, you might not be sensitive to oat, but we know that

regular oats are harvested with wheat, etc. and there could be cross contamination getting

to you. Or fragrance allergy issues.

I know when I use Paul Mitchell stuff my head, neck & shoulders get very itchy.

NicoleAJ Enthusiast
NicoleAJ
Posted

I get this too, and it is not better gluten-free then it was before I went gluten-free. I use all non-scented products and I try not to take baths anymore even though I love them. My husband catches me even scratching in my sleep. Sometimes I end up scarring from the scratching, but not much that I do actually makes the itching any better. I've never considered this a celiac issue since it is no better since going gluten free, but it sure is annoying.

elonwy Enthusiast
elonwy
Posted

I have had severe itching my whole life and its gotten worse even as I've gone gluten free. Showers and hot water tend to make it worse. I just finally went to an allergist and it turns out I'm really allergic to quite a few things. When I take a hard core antihistamine, my itching goes away. Since I'm allergic to dust mites and cockroaches (indoors) and pines/juniper/Cedar/Spruce (outdoors in most parts of N. America) I've decided to start immunotherapy. But anyway, it could just be straight old allergies.

Archived

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

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


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      127,455
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Zpayt
    Newest Member
    Zpayt
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121k
    • Total Posts
      70.2k
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • julie falco
      NEED TO READ ALL LABELS (FRONT & BACK)

      By julie falco · Posted

      BRAND NAME: NOT BURGER PLANT-BASED PATTIES  A product I came across labeled gluten-free bought it when I got home I read the back ingredients further to notice that it says gluten with a line going through it u will see in the attached pics.     The label says down below that it is processed in a facility that also processes "WHEAT".  I tried to put this on the Gov. website as false advertisement but couldn't do it.  Maybe on here at least the word can get out to others not to purchase anything gluten-free without throughly reading the whole label....It won't let me upload 2 pics.  says to contact manager.   The products name is Not Burger    INGREDIENTS: Water, Pea Protein, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavors, Bamboo Fiber, Less than 2% of: Methylcellulose, Dried Yeast, Rice Protein, Salt, Cocoa Powder Processed with Alkali, Psyllium Husk, Potato Fiber, Red Beet Juice Powder (color), Chia Protein Concentrate, Spinach Powder.   Manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat and soy.          MANUFACTURED FOR: The NotCompany, Inc, 438    Treat Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110.
    • jimmydee
      I think a UTI caused by Aspirin, made me a Celiac

      By jimmydee · Posted

      Let me start by saying that I am self- diagnosed Celiac. I didn't want to pay for tests, because I don't have health insurance and the doctor said I would HAVE to eat gluten for the tests and I am afraid it will kill me. I diagnosed myself by quitting dairy, sugar and gluten for a couple weeks and figured out the problem by process of elimination.  ANYWAYS.......here's why I blame "Aspirin low dose safety coated" for my Celiac Disease.  I started taking regular Aspirin for a couple weeks for back pain and decided to switch to low dose safety coated Aspirin because I thought a smaller dose was safer for regular use. Well about 3 days after starting low dose safety coated aspirin, I got a terrible UTI. I didn't know what to do (should have gone to doctor) I started taking cranberry pills and read Aspirin can cause UTIs, so stopped taking that. A week later, the UTI was getting worse but then my Dad gave me some probiotic pills and the next day I felt better, so I took those for a week and the UTI was gone. About a week later, I bought my family cake and pizza for a birthday party. I ate a whole bunch and there was some leftover the next day, so I ate a bunch again. Welp, that was my first Gluten attack. I was home alone and almost called an ambulance, my stomach was so full of gas I couldn't breathe, I was covered in sweat and thought I was having a heart attack.  Since quitting Gluten I haven't had the "gas attacks" or had the awful constipation that lasts 3 days. So I'm certain I'm Celiac and I absolutely blame low dose safety coated Aspirin, I think it's the time release binder that is the problem, because I was fine with regular aspirin, I was just breaking those into halves or quarters. Actually now that I think about it I may have even used the regular aspirin at other times in my life before that, just not the little low dose safety coated Aspirin, that's what I think caused it. What's weird is my Dad took the low dose safety coated Aspirin for years and years, for it's reported heart benefits, and he never got Celiac.  Anyways, I felt this was important to share, so they can find the cause of this disease, which seems to be affecting more people than ever before. At least Gluten Free Pizza exists, that's been my new staple food in my diet.         
    • knitty kitty
      Getting rid of the belly bloat

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @Karen Chakerian, We need more information, please.   What homeopathic remedies or medications are you taking now?  Do you still have the blood pressure and other symptoms?  What is included in your diet currently?  Dairy? Oats?  Processed gluten free foods?  Vegetarian?  Other food allergies?  Do you take vitamins?  When gluten is removed from the diet, the body stops making the anti-gluten antibodies that are usually measured in blood tests used to diagnose Celiac disease.  To measure the anti-gluten antibodies, you would have to consume 10 grams of gluten (4-6 slices of bread or equivalent) per day for a minimum of 2 weeks or longer.   A DNA test which looks for the most common genes for Celiac Disease may be a less invasive avenue to pursue.  Has your doctor checked you for nutritional deficiencies? Glad you're here!
    • knitty kitty
      Dangerously underweight, Perfect gluten free and insomnia

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @SaiP, Insomnia is listed as one of the side effects of Loratadine.   Niacin B3 in the form Tryptophan, Pyridoxine B 6, Folate B 9, Cobalamine B12, Magnesium, and Thiamine B 1 are needed to produce the sleep hormone melatonin.  Insomnia can also be caused by low Vitamin D and low Vitamin A.   A strict gluten free diet can be low in essential  vitamins.   Gluten containing products are required to replace vitamins lost in processing and milling.  Gluten free processed foods are not required to have vitamins added.  White rice is not a good source of B vitamins.  Brown rice is little better.  Exposure to light (even grocery store lights) and heat (during transportation) can destroy B vitamins.   B vitamins are easily lost in urine and diarrhea because they are water soluble.  If you have had diarrhea longer than two weeks, you are probably low in B vitamins.  Fat based vitamins, like Vitamins D and A, can be low due to fat malabsorption in Celiac disease, too.   Damaged villa in Celiac Disease do not absorb B vitamins and fat based vitamins and minerals well.  Supplementing with essential nutrients while villi heal boosts the ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals.  Vitamins are stored and utilized inside cells.  Blood levels are not accurate measurements of vitamin deficiencies.  You can have normal blood levels while having deficiencies inside cells.  The brain orders cells to release their stores so the brain and heart can keep functioning.  This results in normal blood levels, but vitamin deficits inside cells.   Your indulgence in a little bit of bread is providing some, but insufficient amounts, of vitamins needed to make sleep hormone melatonin while keeping your inflammation and histamine production high.   In addition to a B Complex, I took 1000 mg of tryptophan before bed to correct my insomnia caused by high histamine levels.  Correcting my Vitamin D level to between 75-100 nmol/ml helped as well.  Also Passion flower extract is helpful in falling asleep quickly.   Please stop eating gluten bread as this will keep your autoimmune response triggering and your antibody levels won't go down and your histamine levels will stay up as well.   Celiac is a marathon, not a sprint.  P.S. I wanted to reiterate that insomnia and weight loss are symptoms of Thiamine deficiency.  Benfotiamine is a form of thiamine that promotes intestinal healing.  Thiamine is water soluble and nontoxic even in high doses.  High doses are needed to correct thiamine deficiency. All mitochondria in cells utilize thiamine.  The World Health Organization says to take 500 - 1000 mg per day of thiamine and look for health improvement.  Diets that are high in carbohydrates like rice and gluten require more thiamine.  For every 1000 calories from carbohydrates, we need 500 mg more thiamine.  Thiamine is found in meat.  Few veggies contain thiamine. Can you rise from a squat without assistance?  This is the field test for thiamine deficiency used by WHO.  If you cannot rise easily from a squat you may be thiamine deficient.
    • trents
      Dangerously underweight, Perfect gluten free and insomnia

      By trents · Posted

      Earlier, you mentioned the possibility of adding in sweet potatoes. Have you tried that? Have you tried sourdough bread? Some people with celiac disease claim they can eat sourdough without a gluten reaction. The fermentation process alters the protein somewhat.
×
×
  • Create New...