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

It has been brought to my attention that the majority of celiac experts agree that gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin as the molecule is too large.  Absorption occurs in the gut only.  For DH the story is different, and topical application is more of a problem.  

My information was from a local celiac who is also a victim of DH and what her doctor told her, but she may have misunderstood the information she was given.

Below is a post in its entirety from a listmate:

I understand that people who have DH can not use products with gluten in them 
because they react to the gluten. 
 
However, I wanted you to be aware that celiac specialists do not agree with you 
when you say gluten can be absorbed through the skin.  The molecule is too large 
to penetrate the skin.  I'm going to copy for you a passage from "The New 
Ultimate Guide to Gluten-Free Living" written by the Celiac Disease Center at 
Columbia University: 
 
"Any personal product that is used on the exterior of the body is safe because 
gluten is not absorbed through the skin.  Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, dental 
products, cleaning products, and make-up are all safe.  However, lipstick and 
other lip products may contain gluten or wheat germ oil.  Most lipstick, gloss, 
and lip liners are all safe.  Please call the manufacturer to check, especially 
when using a new color, version, or brand." (p.43) 
 
I just received this guide in the mail last week.  It has very up to date 
information, and Dr. Green is a world-renowned celiac specialist.  
 
I am a patient at this center, and Dr. Green told me this info years ago, when 
this listserv made statements such as yours, and I was worried about shampoo.  I 
never reacted to the wheat germ in the shampoo, and the listserv scared me 
needlessly.  
 
I don't know what doctors told you that gluten can be absorbed through the skin.  
Are they celiac doctors?  I am surprised doctors are still giving patients 
outdated information like this.  
 
The phone number for the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia U. is 212-342-4529 if 
you would like to talk to someone there about this. 
 
Denise 
NJ 

As I said, it was a local dermatologist that told the patient that absorbed gluten could be causing a problem, and perhaps the patient felt she meant that it was causing the celiac as well as her DH problems.  My bad, forgive me for raising a ruckus.

As for P&G, among their products, they make Sensodyne toothpaste, and they also make Tide detergent.  So make your own decisions aboout them. 

Misty

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