Gluten intolerance and skin diseases.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Dermatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Gluten sensitivity, with or without coeliac disease (CD) symptoms, is linked to various diseases.
• Numerous reports connect CD with dermatological conditions, notably dermatitis herpetiformis as a cutaneous manifestation.
• Autoimmune, allergic, and other skin diseases have been associated with gluten intolerance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the dermatological manifestations of gluten intolerance (GI).
• To emphasize the importance of dermatologists recognizing and diagnosing GI.
• To outline diagnostic approaches for identifying gluten intolerance in patients with skin conditions.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature linking gluten intolerance and skin diseases.
• Discussion of diagnostic tools including serological screening (antigliadin, antiendomysial, transglutaminase antibodies) and HLA typing.
• Emphasis on the role of intestinal biopsy for definitive diagnosis of CD or GI.

Main Results:

• Gluten intolerance can manifest in diverse dermatological conditions.
• Dermatitis herpetiformis is a recognized cutaneous manifestation of coeliac disease.
• A gluten-free diet can improve various gluten-related dermatological issues.

Conclusions:

• Dermatologists must be aware of gluten intolerance as a potential cause of skin diseases.
• Comprehensive diagnostic workup, including serology and biopsy, is crucial for identifying gluten intolerance.
• Dietary modification, specifically a gluten-free diet, offers a treatable approach for associated dermatological manifestations.