I am 16 and I have had a "rash" on my left arm and a little of the same rash on my thighs. It doesn't look like what the pictures of DH look like. But my question is, is it possible? It doesn't itch, but it is red all the time. I also have had really bad dandruff for awhile. It has gotten so bad that sometimes my scalp will bleed. I have tried dandruff shampoos for about a year and nothing has helped it at all. Now I have developed these little "pimple-like" things. They look a lot like DH. Is it possible to have it on your scalp? Any info would be helpful. Thanks

Kassandra

Kassandra, I remember your post at the beginning of the Enterolab thread ... can you tell us what your symptoms are? ALL of them, even if they seem unrelated?

You mentioned over there that you haven't completely responded to the gluten-free diet. How long have you been on it? Are you sure you're 100% gluten-free? What changes have you seen? What has not gotten better?

How much time do you have?...lol! Well, I have had extreme anemia (ferritin didn't even show up on labs). That led to crazy exhaustion and fainting a few times, and rooms spinning, etc. I have had extremely irregular periods...last year I had it for 90 days straight!!!! Now the last time I got my period was January 11 (I think.) I have had stomach aches my whole life to the point that lately I couldn't even drink water without it hurting my stomach. I have lost about 5 lbs in a couple weeks which is a lot for me because I only weigh 110 lbs and am 5'4". I still get terrible diarrhea almost every day. I have a rash on my arm which I have had for years and never really put much thought into it until a few weeks ago when I read about DH. I also have a spinal condition called Schuermann's Disease. It is a condition where the view of your spine when looked at sideways, it should be 20 degrees, but mine is 67 degrees BOTH WAYS!!! It is extreme and I would have surgery but we managed to find the only doctor in all of the West Coast and possible country who doesn't operate on this (thank God!) The doctor explained it as a condition where the vertebra in your back just "stop developing." I have to wear a ridiculously tight and big brace for that. Now that I think about it I'm probably not getting enough calcium to my spine. I also broke a vertebrae once a few years ago. Also, when I was 7 or so, I used to play soccer and a girl so much as barely kicked my ankle and I fractured it. I also am very pale which they say is because of the anemia. That hasn't gotten better even after 5 iron IV treatments.
I also have a lot of back pain which is related to the S's Disease. But I also have tingly legs a lot and had tests done, but they showed my nerves are fine. I have a dairy/casein/lactose allergy and a peanut allergy (not severe). We also think I am hypoglycemic because I almost pass out when I don't eat every 2 hours. I have a reaaaallllly bloated stomach a lot of the times. I have a hard time concentrating sometimes and other times I am perfectly focused. Last year I had a 4.0 this year I am barely able to get decent grades. (Keep in mind I was absent for 7 weeks straight and barely make it through an entire day.) Um, that's all I can think of. OH wait, my mom has thyroid problems and has been on medication for years because of it. My grandma has Celiac but doesn't stick to the gluten-free diet.

As far as the results on the gluten-free diet, I don't get stomach aches much, if at all. I still am exhausted, still get stomach bloating and D. As far as the whole reason I posted, the rash on my arm and thighs. Also, my scalp, the dandruff is so ridiculous. It is like its coming from these little pimple-like things throughout my entire scalp. I can't really tell what it looks like because my hair is dark brown and long, so I've tried to look in the mirror, but can't. I think that covers all of the symptoms. Sorry my thoughts aren't collected at all...I'm really tired.

Kassandra

Could the rash be psoriasis? You could have it biopsied to test for dh. If it's positive, then you have a celiac diagnosis. That might be your easiest route for diagnosis.

Anemia really wipes you out. I get it from one of my Lyme coinfections ... as you know, celiac can cause it, too.

Celiac can also cause the neuro problems you've described. If you don't get full improvement from the gluten-free diet, please keep looking for what else it could be. Sometimes there are multiple problems.

Kassandra,

Yes, it can be on your scalp. I have DH in my hair....other places as well. I have been mostly gluten free for a year and gluten free for eight months. iodine (salt and seafood) sets my DH off....shoulders, face, shins and scalp. I experience intense itching.

I am very careful with toiletries and soap which also helps. I still have problems with dairy as well.

Sincerely,

Joan

Hey! just read this, i have been sick for over 5 years now, just seems to get worse. It all started with a bad rash on my right buttock and i was working for a dr. at that time he said it was shingles. Everytime I break out i run a fever and vomit alot!!!THen i started vomiting without alot of breakouts. Now i have started a gluten-free diet and the vomiting has stopped. (9 days now) The longest i have not vomited for at least 1 year. After reading this, it is starting to make more since. I have been told that my dr. has never seen shingles that break out at least 8 or 9 times a month. They thought it was herpes (on my butt) but found out it is not that. They had me on valtrex and more meds for viral infections with no help, for over 2 years. finally took me off of it 2 months ago, flare ups didnt get better or worse. Thinking it might be DH. When i was in the hosp. last month for dehydration, they said that they didnt think the villa in my stomach was working right But no mention of celiac disease. My brothers daughter-in-law has celiac disease and he was talking to her about it, she is the one who told me about this site. So i have tried to go gluten free but i think i am making some mistakes at this time. I read somewhere that coke is real bad, why? Does it have gluten in it? I drink coke, woke up this morning feeling real bad again. Not vomiting but feeling sick and tired and have bad headache. Another day of not being able to do anything. HELP PLEASE~~~ WHAT am i doing wrong? thanks Barbara123

Barbara.....sorry don't know how to answer most of your questions (what's wrong etc) but just wanted to tell you that Coke.....and Pepsi are gluten free. I called Pepsi and ALL of their products are gluten
free.....which includes Sierra Mist, Mountain Dew, Aquafina flavoured waters, etc. 7-Up and Sprite are also gluten-free while I'm at it. Hope this helps with that at least. I have found however, that Coke can be very difficult on my tummy......much more so than any other cola. Also seems if I drink it out in a fountain
(at a restaurant) it's more likely to bother me......go figure...........Angel