Can Gluten Intake Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Can Gluten Cause or Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes red, itchy, flaky skin. It most often occurs on the scalp, face, chest, back and areas where skin folds. While its exact causes are unknown, yeast overgrowth, stress, weather changes and other factors can trigger seborrheic dermatitis flares.

Some research suggests that diet may also play a role. In particular, there are claims that eating gluten can contribute to seborrheic dermatitis in those with sensitivity or celiac disease. Let’s take a closer look at the evidence on the link between gluten and seborrheic dermatitis.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, barley and rye grains. It helps give elasticity and a chewy texture to products like bread, pasta and baked goods. Gluten is found in many common foods in the Western diet.

Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease

For most people, eating gluten normally does not cause issues. But some have sensitivities or autoimmune reactions that can trigger negative symptoms:

• Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS): Estimated to impact 6-7% of population. Causes gastrointestinal, fatigue, joint pain issues.
• Celiac Disease: Genetic autoimmune disorder where gluten damages small intestine. About 1% are affected.

Those with gluten-related conditions often follow strict gluten-free diets and must vigilantly check labels to avoid symptom triggers from cross-contamination.

Linking Gluten Ingestion to Seborrheic Dermatitis

Active seborrheic dermatitis causing red, greasy skin with yellowish scales or crust resembles symptoms of skin disorders related to gluten sensitivity like dermatitis herpetiformis. This leads some to theorize dietary gluten can trigger or worsen outbreaks of seborrheic dermatitis on the body and scalp when a sensitivity exists.

Additionally, increased intestinal permeability from gluten could potentially allow larger undigested protein molecules to enter bloodstream. An immune or inflammatory reaction might follow, spreading to skin. However more research is still needed on this proposed mechanism linking ingestion to external skin manifestations.

Evidence on Gluten and Seborrheic Dermatitis Relationship

So what does the current evidence actually show about the connection between dietary gluten and exacerbating seborrheic dermatitis?

• Small 2014 study found 52% of seborrheic dermatitis patients had positive anti-gliadin antibodies, suggesting gluten sensitivity plays a role.
• However, double-blind placebo crossover trials are still lacking to conclusively prove eliminating gluten improves seborrheic dermatitis. Anecdotal patient reports are mixed on level of symptom changes from going gluten-free.
• Those with antibodies or family history of celiac disease may be subgroup more likely to see skin benefits from gluten elimination diet. But more research on predictors is needed.

Overall the data is limited and incomplete. For now going gluten-free to control seborrheic dermatitis is something to discuss with your doctor, but not guaranteed to resolve skin flares even if antibody tests indicate a sensitivity.

following a Gluten-Free Diet for Seborrheic Dermatitis Management

While not proven conclusively beneficial for all, a trial gluten elimination diet for at least 3 months may be worthwhile. Speak to your healthcare provider about supervision for nutritional adequacy and retesting antibodies periodically.

Getting Started with a Gluten Elimination Protocol

Transitioning to gluten-free requires vigilance checking labels and using substitutes to avoid exposure from common trigger foods:

• Avoid wheat, barley, rye ingredients in items like bread, baked goods, pasta, cereals, beer
• Watch for hidden sources like soy sauce, salad dressings, soups, imitation meats
• Choose labeled certified gluten-free products when possible
• Cook more meals at home using gluten-free grains like rice, quinoa, buckwheat instead
• Look to natural foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, eggs, dairy, meats

Considerations and Precautions When Removing Gluten

As with any elimination diet, be aware that restricting entire food groups long-term requires planning to cover nutrition gaps. Important factors if going gluten-free:

• Choose whole gluten-free grain options to get enough fiber, vitamins, minerals.
• Incorporate alternative nutrient-rich starch sources like starchy vegetables or legumes.
• Take a multivitamin to provide folic acid, iron, calcium, zinc and other essentials.
• Consult a registered dietitian knowledgeable in celiac disease if access possible.
• Carefully reintroduce gluten containing foods 1 at a time after 3+ months under medical guidance to check for reactions indicating sensitivity.

Other Dietary Considerations for Seborrheic Dermatitis

Some emerging but preliminary research shows certain dietary patterns may also impact seborrheic dermatitis, beyond just gluten focus:

• Higher quality diet with more fruits, vegetables, legumes, lean proteins associated with lower likelihood of seborrheic dermatitis compared to Western pattern diet.
• Higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids could help resolve symptoms faster when used together with topical antifungals.
• Need for more studies on effects of overall diet quality and specific nutrient modulation like with probiotics, antimicrobial plant foods.

An anti-inflammatory diet rich in skin-supportive vitamins, minerals and healthy fats may provide additional complementary benefits for managing seborrheic dermatitis flares.

The Bottom Line: Gluten and Seborrheic Dermatitis

In summary, while going gluten-free may offer symptomatic relief for some with seborrheic dermatitis related to an underlying sensitivity, there is currently a lack of strong clinical evidence that eliminating dietary gluten reliably improves skin flares for all.

Removing gluten sources requires diligence and risks nutritional shortfalls without careful dietary balance. Speak to your healthcare provider about medical necessity of restriction if skin issues persist despite standard anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory treatments. Targeted elimination trials may be considered on an individual basis, especially where other signs of gluten intolerance exist.

Remember to always patch test topicals first when self-treating facial seborrheic dermatitis flares. Combine gentle skin care with finding potential allergen or trigger sources like gluten for those who respond to restriction.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.