What about non-food items?

[julevalle]

I've read a lot about products such as mouthwash, toothpaste, makeup, lotion, and even carryout containers and aluminum foil. Some have gluten in them. Is it bad to use a product with gluten in it on your skin, hair, etc..? Or putting/wrapping food in something made of gluten? I found that to be very interesting when I was reading about it. I would love to hear some feedback!

[the sensible celiac]

I certainly would never use a mouthwash or toothpaste with gluten, but I'd be suprised to hear about any examples of those two types of products that did contain gluten.

I used to be very skeptical about the concerns people have about shampoo or other topical products with gluten, but then I realized that some medications are applied to the skin. I have become cautious about shampoo with wheat, and I know it is quite common in the shampoo rands I have looked at.

[CarolM]

I've also read that certain types of adhesives are made with gluten.  This becomes a problem with envelopes and stamps.  I now use an "envelope moistener" to wet envelopes and any kind of stamp so that I don't have to lick them.  Or, I purchase self-adhesive stamps and Peel & Seal envelopes.

I wonder if there has been any research on the effects of topically applied gluten?

CarolM

[julevalle]

I read about envelopes, too.  It gets crazy!  I also read that a Celiac may not feel 100% until all contact with gluten is cut off, like lotion, makeup, paper products, etc..  I guess it depends on sensitivity? I had to give my lotion away because it had wheat in it!

[GwenRN]

There is some evidence that SOME celiacs, who suffer from a skin disorder known as dermatitis herpetiformis should avoid skin contact with items containing gluten.

For the rest of us, the reaction occurs when the gluten is ingested, and it occurs in the small intestine. Therefore, the rule of thumb I personally use is "am I likely to ingest this?" I wouldn't put a lotion with wheat on my hands, and then eat finger food. I've also skipped on shampoos with "wheat protein" because I've been known to put my hair in my mouth. I don't however, make it a habit to check all cosmetic products, as the liklihood of ingesting mascara is pretty much nil.

That's just my take on it

Gwen

[magreen]

Yes, alot of non-food items have gluten in them. Most toothpastes are okay (personally, I prefer Crest or Colgate). I think the topical things you are all talking about like shampoo and body lotions are okay for most celiacs. If you have DH (dermetitis herpetiformis) with your celiac disease, then you shouldn't be using even topical stuff that contains gluten. For the rest of us with plain 'ole CD, it's okay to use topical things that contain gluten, as long as we're not ingesting them!

[julevalle]

Thanks for all your thoughts on this topic. Being newly diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I wasn't sure if it was ok to use products with gluten on your skin or not. That was a good point about using lotion with gluten on your hands then eating finger food! Thanks again for the feedback!

[elizabeth]

thankyou so much,i had never even thought about shampooos and things,this site is a real eye opener from elizabeth