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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Sign of Celiac?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Sign of Celiac?
by dinkydonuts, Feb 16, 2004 12:00AM
I have a rash on my face, one leg, back, and arm. It consists of small red bumps that get clear pus in them. Usually, they erupt after I eat wheat. However, even when I have been wheat-free, I break out every once in a while. The spots usually don't itch very badly, but today they are. Also, I get open sores inside my nose after eating wheat. I have already been told that I have a wheat allergy and that I'm allergic to dust and some grasses. I have been eating wheat more often lately, and I've been breaking out more often. I've also been having more stomach problems, like mucus in or around my feces and more heartburn. A couple years ago I was tested for ANA and it was positive 1:80, but it calmed down and was negative last time I was checked (August 2003). In addition to the rash, I have arthritis in every joint except my hips, a herniated disk in my back, pain in my rear/hip, pain and numbness in my left leg, and a completely numb big toe on my left foot. Last year, I had a biopsy to test for celiac, and it came back negative, but I had only had gluten for 2 weeks prior to that test. Could all this be a sign that I do indeed have celiac disease (and dermatitis herpetiformis), or do you think the symptoms are signs of something else?
Thanks,
Dinkydonuts
Thanks,
Dinkydonuts
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Feb 16, 2004 12:00AM
, Feb 16, 2004 12:00AM
This certainly does not sound like dermatitis herpetiformis. Those who have that condition are so sensitive to gluten that even the tiniest amount triggers it.
I'm not sure why you're concerned about such a rare condition, but I think you need a consultation with a gastroenterologist to set you straight about whether or not you have celiac, and with a dermatologist who can tell you what you really do have, which is probably something mild and nonspecific.
An ANA of 1:80 generally means nothing at all, by the way.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
I'm not sure why you're concerned about such a rare condition, but I think you need a consultation with a gastroenterologist to set you straight about whether or not you have celiac, and with a dermatologist who can tell you what you really do have, which is probably something mild and nonspecific.
An ANA of 1:80 generally means nothing at all, by the way.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
2. Borderline lupus is not lupus. Besides, the test became negative, which does not happen in lupus. Besides, what does lupuis have to do with dermatitis hepretiformis.
3. Why not see a gastroenterologist too, to clarify what your GI status is?
Dr. Rockoff