You can watch the video clip in YouTube here: Could your Skin Care cause Wheat Allergy?
Unveiling the Hidden Danger: Wheat Allergy from Skincare Products
In recent years, an unexpected trend has emerged in the world of allergies: Individuals previously unaffected by wheat allergies are experiencing adverse reactions linked to skincare products containing wheat derivatives. This revelation sheds light on the intricate relationship between skincare ingredients causing allergic sensitization and in this unique situation, food allergy to wheat.
It is important to know that the skin functions not only as a barrier but is also an immune organ. Studies have shown that children with eczema in which the skin barrier is compromised can develop food allergy through skin sensitization.
The Rise of Wheat Allergy caused by Skincare
Wheat allergy typically develops from dietary intake, causing allergic sensitization and causing symptoms ranging from mild itching to severe anaphylactic reactions after eating wheat. However, reports have surfaced of individuals developing wheat allergies after using skincare products containing wheat-derived ingredients. This phenomenon highlights the potential for allergic sensitization to occur through topical exposure.
Understanding Food-Dependent Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis (FDEIA)
Among the diverse spectrum of wheat allergy presentations, one particularly intriguing manifestation is FDEIA. This is quite a unique condition that seems to be quite common in these individuals who develop wheat allergy through their skin care products. This condition occurs when the person eats foods containing wheat such as ramen noodles, roti canai, or pita wrap followed by physical exertion, triggering anaphylactic reactions. There are some people that are not aware that pizza contains wheat!
In FDEIA, the person must eat the wheat followed by exercise and the two conditions must be met before having a reaction. Exercising alone without having eaten wheat does not cause any problems. This condition is quite nuanced, as studies now show that ingesting enough wheat proteins especially pure gluten can even trigger a reaction without any involvement of exercise! Note to readers: Chinese Vegetarian dishes uses pure gluten! I’ve had patients developing reactions after such a meal without any physical exertion.
What we should consider is that there is an underlying wheat allergy and triggers (such as exercise, alcohol, menstrual cycle, painkillers) that reduces the threshold of reactivity can trigger an allergic reaction.
Navigating the Skincare Landscape
If you have developed wheat allergy from your skin care, then it makes sense to stop using skin care that will continue the allergic sensitization. Navigating the skincare landscape requires heightened vigilance and awareness. Reading ingredient labels becomes paramount, as wheat-derived components may be disguised under various names like “triticum vulgare” or “hydrolyzed wheat protein.” The problem is that sometimes, these ingredients may not even be labelled, and the consumer is left unaware that they are still using products containing wheat proteins.
Treatment
It is important to obtain proper consultation with an Allergist/Immunologist to get proper diagnosis and treatment. Blood test and skin prick test can be done to diagnose and monitor disease for possible remission.
Thus far, remission rate is around 50% after 5 years. I think by careful avoidance of the offending skin care products and careful management of other co-allergic diseases, we can achieve higher remission rates.
Some of my patients ask if they can just eat wheat and not exercise and some patients want to avoid eating wheat altogether. There is no one size fits all, We will need to consider the many factors for each individual patient. Together we will discuss and come up with the best approach that fits the person.
The emergence of wheat allergy from skincare products underscores the complexity of allergic sensitivities and the need for risk assessment in skin product formulations. The number one question in my mind is: What is it in the formulation of wheat proteins in skin care that will break the wheat tolerance and cause allergy? More research will be needed.
