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I have had so many responses it is unreal - thanks to everyone.  Still
not alot of agreement.   This is not all of them - just a few. Read on:

This question comes up pretty often. Some people have no problem with
non-ingested gluten in products, but some are *very* sensitive to skin
contact, especially people with DH, which is a nasty skin reaction to
any contact *or* ingestion of gluten. So that doctor did not have the
whole story.

As I'm sure you'll find out, everybody has an opinion about how far to
go to be "gluten free"!  I work for in a doctor's office and everything
I've heard leads me to believe that we only need to be concerned about
ingesting gluten.  The doctors that I've talked to think it is laughable
that people have told me that all of my cosmetics, shampoo, etc.  needs
to be GF as well.  That seems to be working okay for me


American doctors are sooooo schmart that at the time I was diagnosed the
statistics were 96% of all celiacs were diagnosed on AUTOPSY!  Usually
by age 35!

Trust me, I have had 3 HUGE reactions to cosmetics, which upon
investigation proved to be to gluten containing ingredients, not an
allergy to something else.  The latest one nearly killed me.

Perhaps being GF in diet for 23 years has made me more sensitive, but do
not even think of going where I've been.  Remember Tocopherol/Vitamin E
can be safe or from wheat germ oil.  Reading ingredients alone will not
cut it on the cosmetic/hair care, etc.  products.

The only soap I can use now (or other cleanser for face) is pure Castile
Soap.  Hard to find, but out there.  My local H.E.B. grocery has it.

When I tell a new doctor I am a Coeliac, he frequently has to ask me
about it.  They simply get no education in it in med school.  Be careful
and take care of yourself.

BTW, I have flu shots every year and had the pneumonia shot 4 years ago.
No ill effects and very important for us.


Hi!

I think that depends on the person involved.  Personally, I break out in
a terrible rash if I use gluten containing products and react to gluten
being introduced into my blood stream without going through my gut.  You
may not, but the jury is still out on whether this is safe or not.  The
final decision has to be yours!

Becky
Calgary, Alberta


I believe that the only truly educated answer is that gluten MUST come
in contact with the intestinal tract in order to cause harm.  Therefore,
in my opinion, your doctor is absolutely correct.  LOTS of folks,
however will claim otherwise and suggest that they can get a reaction by
touching or breathing in gluten.  ......  The mind is a very powerful
thing and that, my friend, is why the placebo effect is alive and well
in research.  Follow what the researchers and experts say and don't let
your imagination have it's way with you.

He's so so unqualified to say that, I was told one has to be gf inside
and out as absorption is very real through the skin, he must be really
behind times.
Lil


Several MD's have told me that the gluten
reaction and damage only occurs when something is taken
orally.  If you absorbed any through your skin, it
wouldn't cause any problem because it wouldn't get to
your small intestine.


this is utter nonsense!  Those of us who have had the misfortuen to use
a shmapoo or permanet with wheat germ oil can tell you horror stories.
I had to have a shampoo IMMEDIATELY after getting a perm or my scalp
would peel and burn.   I couldn't figure out why my back was constantly
itchy and breaking out.....when I changed shampoos, the itchiness went
away and the break out cleared.

My daughter asked me to make some chocolate dipped pretzels for her to
bring to a party.  Hadn't done it in a long time and didn't think much
about.  Just from HOLDING the pretzels in my fingers, I dot a reaction.
My fingers itched and burned for several hours until I took my
homeopath remedies to stop it.

I have gotten a reaction from flour in the air.

It sounds as tho your dr needs to do some more reading.

ann