Jump to content

  • 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

Allergic Dermatitis Vs. Dh

BrownEyedGirl

Recommended Posts

BrownEyedGirl Apprentice
BrownEyedGirl
Posted

Are there similarities in appearance with Allergic Dermatitis and DH? I was diagnosed with AD this week, but I'm curious if it could be DH.

Background info: I don't have celiac, but I have allergies/intolerances to casein and wheat. I've gotten hives on-and-off for about four years now. I did extensive allergy testing, and those two things turned out to be the cause. I didn't have to completely eliminate them from my diet at that point. If I went without for a while, I could eat small amounts for quite some time before the hives would start up again. This week, I broke out with a really bad rash on my thigh. The whole area is red, inflamed and itchy, with bumps all over. Then, I started getting bumps in other places .... arms, stomach, back, legs. Some of the bumps are very small, others are large, cyst-like and look like they may be fluid-filled.

It got so bad that I ended up going to the ER, and they said I have allergic dermatitis. I'm taking a prescription allergy medicine and steroid, but it only helps me so much. When I take the steroid at night, there is improvement when I wake up, but I've noticed 10-20 minutes after eating, it'll start getting really itchy again and more bumps will pop up. This has led me to believe it's my food allergies bothering me once again, so I'm going try eating casein and gluten-free to see if that will help me any. According to the sheet they gave me about Allergic Dermatitis, it's caused by coming in contact with something external you're reacting to, so that wouldn't make sense that it flares up after eating.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


blondebombshell Collaborator
blondebombshell
Posted

Are there similarities in appearance with Allergic Dermatitis and DH? I was diagnosed with AD this week, but I'm curious if it could be DH.

Background info: I don't have celiac, but I have allergies/intolerances to casein and wheat. I've gotten hives on-and-off for about four years now. I did extensive allergy testing, and those two things turned out to be the cause. I didn't have to completely eliminate them from my diet at that point. If I went without for a while, I could eat small amounts for quite some time before the hives would start up again. This week, I broke out with a really bad rash on my thigh. The whole area is red, inflamed and itchy, with bumps all over. Then, I started getting bumps in other places .... arms, stomach, back, legs. Some of the bumps are very small, others are large, cyst-like and look like they may be fluid-filled.

It got so bad that I ended up going to the ER, and they said I have allergic dermatitis. I'm taking a prescription allergy medicine and steroid, but it only helps me so much. When I take the steroid at night, there is improvement when I wake up, but I've noticed 10-20 minutes after eating, it'll start getting really itchy again and more bumps will pop up. This has led me to believe it's my food allergies bothering me once again, so I'm going try eating casein and gluten-free to see if that will help me any. According to the sheet they gave me about Allergic Dermatitis, it's caused by coming in contact with something external you're reacting to, so that wouldn't make sense that it flares up after eating.

i think i have this, too!

i look forward to hearing others' responses. how did you become diagnosed with this? my hives are so bad at the moment, i'm literally itching out of my skin.

BrownEyedGirl Apprentice
BrownEyedGirl
Posted
  • Author

i think i have this, too!

i look forward to hearing others' responses. how did you become diagnosed with this? my hives are so bad at the moment, i'm literally itching out of my skin.

I went to the ER, and they said it was a classic case of allergic dermatitis. I ended up going back last night. After four days, the steroids didn't work at all and it was getting worse, some of the rashes were also turning purple. The doctor said I was taking very low dose steroids for the severity of my symptoms, and gave me a prescription for the same drug, but a much higher dose. I told him about my previous food allergy problems and how it flares up after I eat. He said that since I've had problems with breaking out in hives from wheat and milk that I need to go on a gluten-free/CF diet, keep a food diary of everything I eat and my reactions, continue with the steroids, and if it doesn't clear up in the next week, he gave me a referral to a dermatologist.

weluvgators Explorer
weluvgators
Posted

Hey, Becky,

We have been troubleshooting hand eczema/dermatitis in our gluten sensitive child. Her hands get itchy, swollen and red. It is terrible. Her symptoms are specific to school and gluten. We were recently at the dermatologist trying to get help. We have done topical steroids off and on trying to manage it. In a strictly gluten free environment and on our gluten/dairy free diet, she does not have the symptoms. However, *very* low doses of gluten will keep her hands aggravated, especially when she is getting substantial environmental exposures at school. It has been so frustrating trying to keep her hands well. The "allergy" side of wheat/gluten can be so very, very hard to manage.

I hope that your rash clears up quickly and nicely. The itch you describe is so characteristic of my daughter's reaction, and I was hopeful that getting a skin biopsy may help us get a "celiac" diagnosis. The dermatologist responded when I asked that the rash would most likely test negative, as the DH characteristic "blistering" was not present. She also said that it is very, very difficult to get a positive biopsy and diagnosis for these wheat/gluten conditions. For my daughter, her allergic reactions will most likely keep her from consuming enough gluten to do the required "diagnostic" damage needed for a celiac diagnosis. Additionally, she is much more reactive to environmental exposures than our more "classical" celiac child.

Good luck with the diet changes - it has made a world of difference for us and our skin and allergy issues!

blondebombshell Collaborator
blondebombshell
Posted

i just got back from the dermatologist who told me it was chronic hives. WTH! i explained my digestive issues, allergy issues, everything. i feel like there is no hope. i didn't have any gluten yesterday and had a horrid flare-up this morning. by the time i got to the doc the welts were little, red bumps and he said that's not what DH looks like. I dunno.

BrownEyedGirl Apprentice
BrownEyedGirl
Posted
  • Author

Update:

I ended up going to the ER last night. After four days of allergy meds and steroids, it had gotten a lot worse and the itching was pretty unbearable. Some of the rashes had become purplish. The doctor I saw said that the steroids I had been given were very low doses, and he was shocked at that given the severity. He gave me a prescription for the same drug, but a much higher dose. He asked me to go into detail about my symptoms and when they occur, my previous food allergy problems. He said it's clear it's allergic dermatitis brought on by food allergies, and since I've had a history of problems with wheat and milk, that I should start there. I'm started on a gluten-free/CF diet today ... before i had a flare-up everytime I ate, but I didn't have any today. I didn't need my anti-itching medicine until about 7pm, which is really good. I've been taking it 4+ times a day. And even when the itching returned, it was more like an irritation itch, than the swelling I would encounter after eating. The rash has gone down some and the blisters aren't as red. The rashes on my thighs kind of itch right now though. That's where the purple is though, so hopefully it just means it's healing.

Anyway, I'm supposed to continue with the gluten-free/CF diet (need to clean out the pantry and go grocery shopping!), do a 5-day steroid pack, keep a food diary and see a dermatologist.

Archived

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

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Charlie1946
      - Charlie1946 replied to Charlie1946's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      43

      Severe severe mouth pain

      @knitty kitty Thank you so much for all that information! I will be sure to check it out and ask my doctor. I am just at a loss, I am on my 2nd round of miracle mouthwash and I brush and scrape my tongue and (sorry this is gross) it's still coated in the middle
    2. Aretaeus Cappadocia
      - Aretaeus Cappadocia posted a topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      0

      Brown Rice Vinegar (organic) from Eden Foods is likely gluten free

      Traditional brown rice vinegars are made by fermenting brown rice and water with koji (Kōji 麹). The gluten risk comes from the method of preparing the koji: rice, wheat or barley may be used. Regardless of the starting grain, "koji" typically will be listed as an ingredient, and that term alone does not indicate gluten status. I called Eden Foods re...
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to wellthatsfun's topic in Gluten-Free Recipes & Cooking Tips
      1

      heaps of hope!

      Your post nails the practical reality of living well with a celiac diagnosis. The shift from feeling restricted to discovering a new world of cooking—whether through a supportive partner making gluten-free spanakopita and gravy, or learning to cook for yourself—is exactly how many people find their footing. It turns a medical necessity into a chance to bui...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Jordan Carlson's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      2

      Fruits & Veggies

      You are experiencing a remarkable recovery by addressing core nutrient deficiencies, yet you've uncovered a deeper, lifelong intolerance to fruits and vegetables that appears to be a distinct issue from celiac disease. Your experience points strongly toward a separate condition, likely Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) or a non-IgE food intolerance, such as salicylate...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to yellowstone's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      1

      Cold/flu or gluten poisoning?

      Your satiation is challenging and a common dilemma for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity: distinguishing between a routine viral illness and a reaction to gluten exposure. The overlap in symptoms—fatigue, malaise, body aches, and general inflammation—makes it nearly impossible to tell them apart in the moment, especially with a h...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,093
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Susanne G
    Newest Member
    Susanne G
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Charlie1946
      Severe severe mouth pain

      By Charlie1946 · Posted

      @knitty kitty Thank you so much for all that information! I will be sure to check it out and ask my doctor.  I am just at a loss, I am on my 2nd round of miracle mouthwash and I brush and scrape my tongue and (sorry this is gross) it's still coated in the middle 
    • Aretaeus Cappadocia
      Brown Rice Vinegar (organic) from Eden Foods is likely gluten free

      By Aretaeus Cappadocia · Posted

      Traditional brown rice vinegars are made by fermenting brown rice and water with koji (Kōji 麹). The gluten risk comes from the method of preparing the koji: rice, wheat or barley may be used. Regardless of the starting grain, "koji" typically will be listed as an ingredient, and that term alone does not indicate gluten status. I called Eden Foods regarding their product "Organic Brown Rice Vinegar" (product of Japan) to ask how their product is made. They gave me a clear answer that they >do< use rice and they >do not< use wheat or barley in preparing their koji. FWIW, the product itself does not contain any labeling about gluten, gluten risk, or gluten safety. Based on Eden's statement, I am going to trust that this product is gluten safe and use it.
    • Scott Adams
      heaps of hope!

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Your post nails the practical reality of living well with a celiac diagnosis. The shift from feeling restricted to discovering a new world of cooking—whether through a supportive partner making gluten-free spanakopita and gravy, or learning to cook for yourself—is exactly how many people find their footing. It turns a medical necessity into a chance to build kitchen skills, eat more whole foods, and actually enjoy the process. Your point that the basics—knife skills, food safety, and experimenting with spices—are all you really need is solid, helpful advice. It’s a good reminder that the diagnosis, while a pain, doesn’t have to stop you from eating well or having fun with food.
    • Scott Adams
      Fruits & Veggies

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      You are experiencing a remarkable recovery by addressing core nutrient deficiencies, yet you've uncovered a deeper, lifelong intolerance to fruits and vegetables that appears to be a distinct issue from celiac disease. Your experience points strongly toward a separate condition, likely Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) or a non-IgE food intolerance, such as salicylate or histamine intolerance. The instant burning, heart palpitations, and anxiety you describe are classic systemic reactions to food chemicals, not typical celiac reactions. It makes perfect sense that your body rejected these foods from birth; the gagging was likely a neurological reflex to a perceived toxin. Now that your gut has healed, you're feeling the inflammatory response internally instead. The path forward involves targeted elimination: try cooking fruits and vegetables (which often breaks down the problematic proteins/chemicals), focus on low-histamine and low-salicylate options (e.g., peeled pears, zucchini), and consider working with an allergist or dietitian specializing in food chemical intolerances. 
    • Scott Adams
      Cold/flu or gluten poisoning?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Your satiation is challenging and a common dilemma for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity: distinguishing between a routine viral illness and a reaction to gluten exposure. The overlap in symptoms—fatigue, malaise, body aches, and general inflammation—makes it nearly impossible to tell them apart in the moment, especially with a hypersensitive system. This ambiguity is a significant source of anxiety. The key differentiator often lies in the symptom pattern and accompanying signs: gluten reactions frequently include distinct digestive upset (bloating, diarrhea), neurological symptoms like "brain fog," or a specific rash (dermatitis herpetiformis), and they persist without the respiratory symptoms (runny nose, sore throat) typical of a cold. Tracking your symptoms meticulously after any exposure and during illnesses can help identify your personal patterns. Ultimately, your experience underscores the reality that for a sensitive body, any immune stressor—be it gluten or a virus—can trigger a severe and similar inflammatory cascade, making vigilant management of your diet all the more critical. Have you had a blood panel done for celiac disease? This article might be helpful. It breaks down each type of test, and what a positive results means in terms of the probability that you might have celiac disease. One test that always needs to be done is the IgA Levels/Deficiency Test (often called "Total IGA") because some people are naturally IGA deficient, and if this is the case, then certain blood tests for celiac disease might be false-negative, and other types of tests need to be done to make an accurate diagnosis. The article includes the "Mayo Clinic Protocol," which is the best overall protocol for results to be ~98% accurate.    
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.