dermititus

[Edith]

Does anyone know what to use to appease this itching? I am newly diagnosed, have not had the blood test yet, but all the symtoms of celiac disease. I had an endoscopy and my esophoghus is inflamed. Also, am lactose intolerant, slightly anemic, and my elbows, knees and buttocks are itching. This past week I have maintained the diet and realize it will take more time to subdue the symptoms but last evening had the dermititus big time. I am also going nutz looking at labels, Help please

[lynda]

i use benedryl but have to take it at night as it causes drowsiness
there is a benedryl cream tho i believe
good luck

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LYNDA

[Guest]

hydracordizone cream for now but its a must to see your doc for gluten intolorance. possible dermititus herpetiformis. an allergy to anything containing wheat, rye, barley and oats. hidden in more food items than one would think. beer, soy sauce and any bread.

[Cheryl]

I have recently used otycomb (ear ointment) cream..it seems to help a lot once the blisters appear and it does negates some of the itching. Ask your doctor. The itching is the worst...I have just cut my nails right back to control the damage scratching does - but those who do not understand it is difficult.

[tropical]

Hi Edith. If you are trying to be as gluten free as possible your blood test won't be accurate. If your tests so far are enough for you to be sure you are gluten intolerant, then go with that.
Your doctor will prescribe something for the itching, but the only think that will eliminate it is a 100% gluten free diet. There's no question that it takes time to find out all the places where gluten lurks. It's truly mind boggling, but the best way to begin is to only eat the foods that have always been gluten free. including fresh vegetables, fresh fish, fresh meat, water, plain popcorn. You should notice a difference within days. Absolutely no processed foods until you have learned more and have begun your recovery. You may find that stopping dairy products for a while will help. Then later you can resume eating them again. It's hard not to be impatient, but the end results are amazing. It may take months for you to fully recover and be symptom free. If you are gluten intolerant, you have no other choice but a 100% gluten free life, so you must realize that immediately and read everything you can to educate yourself.
There are many websites and safe/unsafe food lists. Some of the foods will vary depending on what country you live in.
Most supermarkets sell gluten free products now -- bread, rolls (these products are best toasted), soups, cereals, pasta. They are more expensive, but used along with the foods I listed above, the cost can be kept down quite a bit. If you enjoy cooking, soups and casseroles are quick and easy.
Kraft product labels all indicate whether there is gluten, which is an enormous help to us.
If there is a celiac support group near where you live, you must join it asap.
Pat