Celiac disease: Can gluten be absorbed through the skin?

If I have celiac disease, do I need to be concerned about sunscreens, shampoos and cosmetics that contain gluten?

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Answer

Gluten can't be absorbed through the skin, although this is a common misperception. Celiac disease is triggered by consumption of gluten. For this reason, people with celiac disease must eliminate all gluten from their diet. Gluten-containing skin-care products and cosmetics aren't a problem unless you accidentally swallow them. For this reason, you should avoid using such products on your lips or around your mouth. Also, avoid using gluten-containing dental products, such as mouthwash and toothpaste. If you're uncertain about whether a product contains gluten, check the ingredient list on the product label or call the manufacturer.

Some people develop a form of celiac disease called dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), which causes an itchy, blistering rash. This skin disorder is also linked to gluten intolerance. But although it involves the skin, DH is caused by ingesting gluten, not by skin contact with gluten. So, eliminating gluten from your diet will help clear up DH as well.

If you use a cosmetic or skin-care product that contains gluten and you develop a skin reaction, seek the advice of your doctor or dermatologist to help identify the cause. It is possible to have an allergy to wheat or another grain that could cause a skin reaction.

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