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

Hi everyone,

Here are the responses I received regarding wheat in skin care products.
Most say they would not use a product with any form of wheat listed in the
ingredients.  I will definately take that into account when formulating.  No
official statement as to how the wheat effects anyone with DH or not.  Thanks to
those who replied!!

Sherry

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I'm not a chemist and certainly no authority on the science of it, but I
react to topical gluten too in lotions, shampoos, etc. I don't have DH either, but
celiac and these products make a rash on my skin every time.  I know some
celiac folks don't have this reaction, but undeniably some of us do. Go figure.
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I'm not a scientist but I do know whenever I use any product with wheat in it
on my hair or skin I get a severe reaction, just like I ate wheat.  In fact,
I used Clairol Herbal Essences (just didn't read the ingredient list for some
reason).  No sooner had I gotten out of the shower and dressed when my scalp
broke out and burned like fire.  I looked in the mirror and my scalp and face
was breaking out in splotches and completely red.  I jumped back in the shower
and had to re-wash with a non-wheat containing shampoo.  I know others say it
is impossible unless you eat wheat...I'm just telling you my experience.  It
happens everytime when I put anything with wheat on my skin.
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I just feel that if you use anything with gluten in it on your hair or skin
that it is all over your hands and so easy to get into your mouth, etc.  Also
inhaling anything that has the gluten in it is not good is how I feel about it.
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I do not have DH but every time I use a wheat germ or a wheat shampoo, I get
a rash on my scalp.  A good thing to consider is if fellow celiacs would even
purchase your product if they contained the word, "wheat" even if it was a
gluten free derivative.  I, for one, would never buy it.  But I sure hope you
consider making a good lipstick or lip gloss someday!!That's what I want!!!
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What I use was suggested by a celiac friend from Georgia, both she and her
mother have celiac.  It is Nexus Phyto Organics "The Arts" series - you can
reach them at http://www.nexxus.com/   I have been getting mine from a beauty
supply place in North Dakota.  I think Cost Cutters has it too and will order what
you want.  My beautician told me today she could get it for me too at
wholesale price so that would be nice.  Just hope they keep making it!!  I have the
DH, but haven't had a problem since going completely gluten free with
everything!!
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If you are creating new products I want to let you know this, that as a
Celiac, if I see the words Wheat or Oat on the ingredient list, I don't buy the
product.  I do not suffer from DH either, but just really try to avoid ALL Wheat,
Barley, Rye or Oats, in all shapes and forms.  I know there's a raging
debate as to whether you can have reactions via topical application, but I just try
not to even take the chance.  In my opinion, not enough is known either way.
Plus I'm sure I get enough exposure by accident... so any way I can minimize
that exposure I do.  Just a thought if you're trying to target a niche market
like us Celiacs.  (as well as the general public)  Good Luck!  And certainly
post to tell us the name of your product and where it is available, if you
don't use wheat or oats!  ;)
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I don't have any of the credentials that you are seeking, but I do have an
idea - you might have an allergy to wheat or another ingredient in the skin and
hair care products that you are sensitive to.  People who have celiac may or
may not be allergic to wheat or gliadin or anything else.  I don't believe that
it is the gliadin in wheat that people with wheat allergies necessarily react
to (although I don't know exactly which part of the wheat it is).  Our celiac
daughter had an allergy test done (tested for IgG, not IgE) and the lab gave
separate readings for allergic responses to wheat, gliadin, and gluten (none
of which she was allergic to).

* Visit the Celiac Web Page at www.enabling.org/ia/celiac/index.html *