Gluten Free Diet

I am a male, late 30's, and have recently been diagnosed with Dermatitus Herpetiformis.  I first noticed the rash on the front of my knees about 8 months ago; it was very itchy then, but the itching and rash in general has since been seemingly well controlled with occasional use of Ultravate ointment.  I also have a few small spots occasionally on the back of my forearms, but those too go away after a few shots or Ultravate.  My dermatologist says that I essentially can treat this with Ultravate (occasionally) if that keeps it in check, or Dapsone if it gets worse, or can go on a gluten-free diet.  The diet seems to be daunting, since I'm told that my diet would have to be competely, 100% gluten free to be effective.  Is this truly the case?  It makes sense to me that it would help if I cut back on those foods that are most obvious (bread/pasta/cereal, etc), thinking that if I reduce gluten in my diet then i'll have less of a chance of getting the rash, or of the rash getting worse.  But my doctor says just cutting back on gluten will not be effective, that I would have to eliminate it totally.  This doesnt make sense to me....if I cut back on gluten, shouldnt that have some positive effect on my condition?  Or do I indeed have to eliminate gluten to have any effect?  I also take 10mg Lipitor daily--could this have any effect/cause on the skin condition?--thank you.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

A gluten-free diet is indeed daunting.  In order for dietary treatment to work, you have to be not just good but perfect, as your doctor says.  A little bit of gluten is like being a little bit pregnant.

On the other hand, your condition doesn't sound that severe, as cases go.  Perhpas then your best bet is just to hold things in check with Ultravate, and reserve the full-bore dietary approach for the time, if it ever comes, that you can't control the symptoms any other way.

If you decide to go gluten-free, patient support groups can be helpful in giving tips on making the diet easier to negotiate.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[nehal]

my age is 21.i am male .according to my parrent say i have and my sister have very dry skin in
every sision.so please give me advice.thanks.

[Morrie]

I have been on a gluten-free diet for about 10 years. I was put on it by a chiropractor for digestive problems and for breathing problems - "air hunger". I have found many very good foods and a cookbook for this diet. If you would like a list of good gluten-free products, send me an e-mail.

[grandmaj46]

A related discussion, Could stomach problems be afiliates with my psoriasis? was started.