<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

I had a few more interesting responses regarding the fake tatoos my 
children had for Easter and seemed to react to. I thought I'd do a 
second summary. I have come to the conclusion that whether or not this 
was indeed a gluten reaction is irrelevant. It was a gluten-like 
reaction to something in that fake tatoo and from now on I will avoid 
them and also be more aware of gluten-containing products that come in 
contact with the skin (such as playdough). We are all individuals and 
our bodies are complex!

Just thought I'd mention that  it is gliadin - a miniscule part of gluten -
that causes symptoms in celiac disease.  Is that, perhaps, small enough to
penetrate the skin?

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MY DR TOLD ME THAT GLUTEN ON THE SKIN IS ABSORBED SO DID MY PHARMASIST
I KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE

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Re the person who says she has reactions to Band Aids - they have gluten
in them. The only plaster that is gluten free is 3-M.

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You can get glutened through the skin. I have CD and DH and believe me I get
glutened more times by products.  Whoever told you you cannot get glutened
by products needs to read some more about our disease.  
Be careful.


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People that say "not likely for gluten to be absorbed through skin" are
people who have no reaction to gluten topically. However, some of us do.
I personally don't have intestinal symptoms like ingesting gluten would
produce, but I do get skin rashes very easily and it isn't DH either for
me (although it is for some folks). I have to make sure makeup, lotions,
and hair products don't contain gluten or I'm a mess!



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The fake tattoes use henna - and permanent scarring is one possible reaction
(and a very common one) to these tattooes. Check any news archive and you'll
find plenty of instances where people (mostly kids) have permanent
disfigurations from this "harmless fun".



Thanks, again, for the responses!

Danielle Papageorgiou

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