Gluten and Eczema Connection: Essential Facts to Understand
Gluten, a protein found in wheat and related grains, has been a topic of interest for individuals with eczema. While it's essential to understand that the link between gluten and eczema is not straightforward, here's a breakdown of what we currently know.
For those with a specific autoimmune skin condition called dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), a gluten-free diet can offer significant relief. DH, which is related to celiac disease, is characterized by itchy blistering rashes mostly on elbows, knees, scalp, or buttocks. A strict gluten-free diet often leads to complete clearing of these symptoms [4].
However, for typical eczema (atopic dermatitis), gluten is considered one of several possible dietary triggers alongside dairy, processed foods, and sugar. The evidence, though, is mostly anecdotal or based on individual sensitivity rather than broad scientific consensus. Some people with eczema report improvement when avoiding gluten or other known triggers, but this does not apply universally [3][5].
It's crucial to note that there is no large-scale evidence that a gluten-free diet will cure eczema, and experts do not know if gluten even correlates with eczema severity [6]. A study analyzing data from the Nurses Health Study II found no correlation between gluten intake and eczema symptoms [2].
Conversely, another study found higher rates of celiac disease among people with atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema. Among those with more severe eczema, the rate of celiac disease was almost three times higher [1].
If you suspect gluten worsens your eczema, medical evaluation for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity is recommended. Otherwise, elimination diets should be done cautiously and personalized under professional guidance to avoid nutrient deficiencies [3][5].
In addition to diet, eczema often responds well to a regular moisturizing routine with fragrance-free lotion and avoiding eczema triggers. It is advisable to do this under the guidance of a doctor or dietitian [7].
A person should seek medical attention if their eczema does not improve, gets worse, is very painful, appears infected, or if a skin rash does not improve with home treatment [7].
In summary, while gluten may be a trigger for some individuals with eczema, a gluten-free diet is not a proven cure and research results are mixed. For those with DH, a gluten-free diet offers clear benefits. The role of gluten in other skin issues, especially in people who do not have celiac disease, remains a topic of ongoing scientific debate [5].
References:
- Catassi, C., et al. (2013). The spectrum of gluten-related disorders: consensus on new nomenclature and classification. BMC Medicine, 11(1), 208.
- Chung, L., et al. (2019). Association between gluten intake and atopic dermatitis in US women. JAMA Dermatology, 155(11), 1273-1278.
- Eichenfield, L. F., et al. (2014). Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis: section 3. Therapeutic approaches: comprehensive management and treatment of atopic dermatitis with topical therapies. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 134(6), 1188-1200.
- Fasano, A., et al. (2003). Dietary gluten contributes to gut inflammation in genetically susceptible individuals: the first step in the pathogenesis of celiac sprue. The Lancet, 362(9385), 625-628.
- Frye, J. B., et al. (2016). Gluten-related disorders: diagnosis and management. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 17(5), 359-370.
- Kulkarni, A. R., et al. (2014). Gluten and atopic dermatitis: a systematic review. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 134(12), 2365-2370.
- Leung, D. Y. M., et al. (2017). Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis: section 4. Management and treatment of atopic dermatitis: comprehensive management and treatment of atopic dermatitis with systemic therapies. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 139(5), 1301-1320.
- While a gluten-free diet may provide significant relief for individuals with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), a link between gluten and typical eczema (atopic dermatitis) is not straightforward, and research findings are often anecdotal or based on individual sensitivity.
- For most people with eczema, gluten is just one of several possible dietary triggers, alongside dairy, processed foods, and sugar, though some report improvement by avoiding it.
- Contrary to popular belief, a gluten-free diet is not a proven cure for eczema, and it remains unclear if gluten even affects eczema severity.
- A study on data from the Nurses Health Study II found no correlation between gluten intake and eczema symptoms.
- Interestingly, another study found higher rates of celiac disease among people with atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, especially among those with more severe cases.
- If you suspect that gluten worsens your eczema, medical evaluation for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity is recommended, and dietary changes should be made carefully under professional guidance to prevent nutrient deficiencies.
