From the Guidelines
For the general population without gluten sensitivities, consuming gluten-containing foods is unlikely to negatively impact skin health. However, for individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten can potentially cause skin issues, as seen in dermatitis herpetiformis, a condition characterized by itchy, blistering rashes, as described in the study by 1. In these cases, eliminating gluten from the diet may improve skin conditions, and a gluten-free diet is recommended for patients with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Some key points to consider:
- Dermatitis herpetiformis is a cutaneous manifestation of gluten-sensitive enteropathy, as noted in the study by 1.
- A gluten-free diet may improve skin conditions like dermatitis herpetiformis, as suggested by the study by 1.
- For most people, a balanced diet including whole grains (which often contain gluten) can actually support overall health, including skin health, due to their nutritional content, as implied by the study by 1. If you suspect gluten may be affecting your skin, consider trying a gluten-free diet for 4-6 weeks under medical supervision, as suggested by the study by 1. Monitor any changes in your skin's appearance and overall health, and consult a dermatologist or gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis and guidance. The connection between gluten and skin health is based on how gluten can trigger inflammation in sensitive individuals, as noted in the study by 1. This inflammation may manifest as skin problems in some cases, but for most people, a balanced diet including whole grains can support overall health, including skin health, due to their nutritional content, as implied by the study by 1.
From the Research
Gluten and Skin Disorders
- Gluten sensitivity is defined as a chronic intolerance to gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals, and it has been linked to various skin disorders, including psoriasis, palmoplantar pustulosis, and dermatitis herpetiformis 2.
- A gluten-free diet (GFD) has been shown to improve symptoms in patients with these conditions, as well as in those with atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, and linear IgA bullous dermatosis, although the evidence is not consistent for all conditions 2, 3.
- Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a condition that presents with symptoms similar to celiac disease, but without the same level of immune system activation, and some patients with NCGS may also benefit from a GFD 3, 4.
Dermatologic Manifestations
- The dermatologic manifestations of gluten sensitivity and NCGS can be non-specific and varied, and may include itchy skin lesions, eczema-like symptoms, and psoriasis-like symptoms 4.
- Histopathological and immunopathological analysis of skin samples from patients with NCGS has shown deposits of C3 along the dermo-epidermal junction with a microgranular/granular pattern, which may be a characteristic feature of cutaneous gluten sensitivity 4.
- Some dermatologic conditions, such as rosacea, may be associated with an increased risk of developing celiac disease, while others, such as hereditary angioedema, may improve with a GFD 2.
Diet Management
- A GFD is the only effective treatment for celiac disease, and it may also be beneficial for patients with NCGS and other gluten-related disorders 5, 6.
- However, a GFD can be challenging to follow, and it may have a negative impact on quality of life, particularly if it is not well-planned and balanced 5.
- A registered dietitian can play an important role in educating patients on the complexity of the GFD and helping them to maintain a healthy weight and avoid disordered eating or diet hypervigilance 5.