by Olivia Emisar

Created on: January 28, 2011   Last Updated: January 29, 2011

The connection between gluten allergies and eczema is a fairly recent assumption based on a public that is better informed about celiac disease and the possibility that gluten allergies may trigger far more than gastro-intestinal reactions.

The idea that Atopic Dermatitis, or eczema, can be connected to a gluten diet has recently created some controversy among celiac sufferers who question the claims made by allergist Dr. Rodney Ford who has worked extensively with children and adults. 

Dr. Ford claims that eczema could be caused by gluten allergies; he states that some celiac sufferers may also develop eczema due to their allergies and that theory may not be as far fetched as some celiacs claim.  CNN recently reported a connection between gluten allergies and skin disorders.

Dermatitis herpetiformis is associated with celiac sufferer and presents itself as a raised rash that is filled with fluid and is very itchy, the same conditions can be attributed to eczema.  A gluten-free diet will usually clear the skin rash if it is a derivative of a gluten diet.

The most comprehensive site to learn about Celiac disease is Celiac.com, a web site that was started by Scott Adams, a celiac wanting to help others who suffer from gluten intolerance.  The website features articles, news, diet, recipes and products to assist celiac  in leading a healthy lifestyle that is gluten-free.

The website also includes some disturbing concepts that question the link of progressive diseases associated with nerve connections, such as Fibromyalgia and brain conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis.

Proper testing by a qualified physician is the only way to know for sure if a person suffers from Celiac disease and whether the rash or irritation is eczema or not.  Some skin disorders can be assumed to be eczema by those who have not been tested properly and, even if the conditions is eczema, it does not mean that it is caused by a gluten-intolerance allergy.

Eczema breakouts are usually associated with stress, dry skin and excessive heat and sweating.  A little known fact is that people who have been diagnosed with Asthma are more prone to periodic episodes of eczema outbreaks than the rest of the population.  Also, Asthma, as well as eczema can run in families who do not suffer from gluten allergies, and not all people are aware that they suffer from Asthma since some mild cases can go undiagnosed for years.

A proper diagnosis by a qualified physician is essential to eliminate other conditions or to find out if they are a combination of various disorders.

♦ Gluten

Gluten is found in almost every food people normally eat.  Generically modified grains are thought of as Super-grains because they grow faster and are pest and disease resistant, however, these generically modified grains can contain 40% or more gluten than their humble un-modified cousins.

Celiacs are warned that their chances of intestinal cancer are increased between 40 to 100 times compared to individuals that do not suffer from gluten intolerance.

The only way to avoid the disease and associated debilitating symptoms is to live a lifestyle that is gluten-free for the rest of their lives.

While eczema may be an annoyance that is suffered sporadically, getting tested to determine if the underlying cause is associated with gluten intolerance is paramount to peace of mind or to make the necessary changes that would prevent far worse conditions from robbing patients of their quality of life.

Sources of interest: Dr. Rodney Ford: Eczema can be caused by gluten   Celiac.com: What is Celiac Disease?     CNN Health: Does eating gluten cause eczema?

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