Spots on body - affect of Coeliac?

[AMJx]

Hi. I got diagnosed finally with Coeliac in March and have been GF since (TTG >250). Been really good but last week a friend gave me a Mars Bar and I ate it without even thinking! I have now come out with a rash all over my chest, back and top of arms - red blotches everywhere - not massively itchy, slightly raised but loads of them. Do you think this is linked to coeliac? Before I went GF the symptoms were bloating and stomach and joint pain but never a rash so it seems extreme. My throat is sore and chest is tight so could be from a virus and just by chance. Did a covid test as well to check!

[cranberryt]

I am brand new to all this (1week in) this but I did google Mars Bars and they do contain gluten. When you have been off any allergen and are exposed again, the reactions can be swift and weird. (I know celiac is not truly an allergy.) I do know some celiacs can get a bad rash. If you google it, you can find loads of pictures to see if it’s the same as yours. Hope you heal quickly! I wonder if there is anything the dr can do to help.

[Narwhal10]

Hi AMJx,

I am sorry to hear you are poorly. Yes unfortunately, Mars does contain gluten. I don’t have answers as we are all individual with our own chemistry and reactions. Like cranberryT said it could be because of new exposure. It could be some other ingredient specifically in Mars that has caused this reaction. An E number or one of the sugars. (I had my hair analysed a 47 page report!)

It is worth photographing. Talking to your GP if you feel it is a virus. But talk to a pharmacist- they are under-utilised and possibly recommend antihistamines (if you can tolerate lactose).

[Researchfan]

Hopefully your feeling better?

The rash could be a reaction to the barley malt after elimination for so long. Out of interest did the rash appear straight away after eating the mars? Or within a few hours?

Immediate rash like that along with tight chest suggests allergy? Unless it is viral - in which case, feel better soon.

According to research, coeliac disease and igE mediated allergy to wheat, barley, rye, are not exclusive of one another.

Though rare it’s not impossible to develop an allergy to cereals as well as have coeliac disease.

Case report link here, for any gluten-free guerrillas interested,

aacijournal.biomedcentral.c...

X

[Cooper27]

This sounds like dermatitis herpetiformis?

google.com/search?q=dermati...

It's a skin rash specifically related to coeliac disease. If it is, it's an autoimmune response that should resolve itself over time, but your pharmacist might be able to suggest something to relieve any discomfort.