If an individual has Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance (these are 2 different conditions) and has continued to consume gluten (even if they aren't aware they have one of these conditions), there is a wide variety of health issues which can arise, some of which are very serious.
Some of the dermatologic conditions associated with Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance are
Dermatitis Herpetiformis (an autoimmune condition)
Alopecia Areata (an autoimmune condition)
Cutaneous Vasculitis (an autoimmune condition)
Urticaria (an allergy disease)
Atopic Dermatitis (an allergy disease)
Psoriasis (an inflammatory disease)
Oral mucosa conditions
Chronic Ulcerative Stomatitis
The article (link below) provides images of some of these conditions.
It is important to note that some individuals with Gluten Intolerance in particular, may not experience gastrointestinal or abdominal symptoms when they consume gluten-containing products.
They may feel and be "fine," with no stomach upsets, diarrhea, or anything like that, but they may have a skin condition (or more than one) that is being caused by their consumption of gluten and that may be their ONLY sign of Gluten Intolerance.
Additionally, some of these conditions can also be linked to vitamin or mineral deficiencies. The deficiencies are occurring because the consumption of gluten isn't allowing the individual's body to properly absorb their nutrients.
The fix for these issues is NOT to just take supplements for the deficiencies, but the individuals MUST stop consuming all gluten and follow a strict gluten-free diet for the rest of their life. There is no "just a little is okay" when it comes to gluten if an individual has Gluten Intolerance or Celiac Disease, there must be no gluten at all, no cross contamination, etc.
Thankfully, in today's world, eating gluten free is fairly easy and many restaurants are fairly good at offering gluten free foods.
If you find yourself being unsure or just feeling uneasy about eating somewhere other than at home, please take your own food - you will know you are safe and can truly enjoy yourself!
This is not medical advice, please see your PCP or medical provider before making any lifestyle, medication, supplement, dietary, etc changes
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