Hi Doc,
I have food allergies to wheat. I’m diligent with buying gluten free foods. Lately I’ve been noticing that my scalp has been burning/itching when I use products with wheat in them? Should I be avoiding these as well? Am I being ridiculous?
Hi Gluten-Free,
Your world may be becoming a bit more complicated. There has been some evidence that persons with food allergies such as wheat, egg, or oat, are also allergic to the proteins in topical form i.e. skin product, hair product. These persons however had Atopic Eczema which is commonly seen with persons who have food allergies. You did not mention that you had Atopic eczema, but the possibility for you to become allergic topically to wheat proteins, is not improbable.
Even without these food allergies, there is a chance for regular persons, who do not have food allergies, to develop what we call a Contact Dermatitis (Eczema) to these proteins. Sadly, these hydrolysed wheat proteins are everywhere. They are popular as they have been found to help soothe irritated skin and helping to restore elasticity to the hair shaft.
So what will that mean for you?
You may have to try avoiding all hair and skin products with wheat proteins and see if that makes a difference. Ideally you should have what is called an allergy testing by an allergist or a dermatologist who has special interest in allergy testing.
References
Varjonen, E., Petman, L. and Mäkinen-Kiljunen, S. (2000), Immediate contact allergy from hydrolyzed wheat in a cosmetic cream. Allergy, 55: 294–296.
Varjonen, E., Vainio, E. and Kalimo, K. (2000), Antigliadin IgE – indicator of wheat allergy in atopic dermatitis. Allergy, 55: 386–391.
Mailhol, C., Lauwers-Cances, V., Rancé, F., Paul, C. and Giordano-Labadie, F. (2009), Prevalence and risk factors for allergic contact dermatitis to topical treatment in atopic dermatitis: a study in 641 children. Allergy, 64: 801–806
