Gluten Sensitivities Or Celiac Disease - Could This Be An Answer To Children's Skin Disorders?

By Author: Alan Turbin
Total Articles: 4717
Comment this article

Perhaps you have tried topical ointments or creams, antibiotics, or a host of other products in an attempt to clear up some skin disorder. They may have work or not but the temporary solution is just a temporary solution. The disorder returns without warning, and you feel that there must be something else. Researcher, writer and children's author, Tina Turbin writes about gluten sensitivities and concurs, saying that, "It is possible that Gluten Sensitivities or Celiac Disease may be at the root of your skin problems." (Visit Gluten Free Help, http://GlutenFreeHelp.Info, for more information and possible symptoms of gluten sensitivity and Celiac Disease.)

Tina goes on to state, "Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is one such skin aliment that occurs as a result of gluten sensitivity. It is one of the 'itches' that won't go away without proper treatment."

DH was first described as a distinct clinical entity in 1884 by American dermatologist, Louis Duhring. But it wasn't until 1967 that is was actually linked to gluten sensitivity. 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.

As a researcher, writer and children's author Tina Turbin shows strong interest in issues relating to children and likes to see people are properly informed. According to Turbin, "Anyone can get this skin disorder, but its initial outbreak seems to occur more often in younger people. 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."

Acne may also arise from gluten intolerance or an allergy to gluten. Due to the body's inability to properly absorb and distribute nutrients, 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. One could possibly consider Celiacs to be deficient in Vitamin A. A lack of these vitamins due to mal-absorption results in acne, which might not be confined to the face. Turbin mentions the teen years are crucial for children socially and physically, so the more we know the better.

For the same reasons as those given above for acne, a case of dry or flaky skin or chronic split heels could suggest either mal-absorption from undiagnosed gluten intolerance or malnutrition.

Palmoplantar Pustulosis (PPP) is a common chronic skin disease, which is very resistant to treatment and is characterized by pustules within the skin layers that are not infection caused but, chronic opportunistic infection may be present which could mislead doctors. PPP is also characterized by scaly skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. In a study of PPP, it was found that 8% of the patients had celiac disease and 24% had IgA antibodies to gliadin.

Tina suggests that one solution to these ailments might be a gluten-free diet. There are also creams and treatments that can aid in the healing and itching, but if the real culprit is the gluten, then it is unlikely the ailment will go away until that culprit is handled.

Tina highly recommends that if any skin ailment is non-responsive then you and your practitioner should take a look at testing for gluten sensitivities. Your world can change with a correct diagnosis and treatment.

Visit http://GlutenFreehelp.info for more information and helpful tips.
About Author:
Alan Turbin, author and medical researcher, has spent years finding solutions for the betterment of conditions in his own life, with his family and with the businesses he has been connected with. He now wants to share with others the various solutions he has found. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois (BS with Honors), a specialist in information technology as well as medical and health issues.