Keratosis Pilaris

[draperygoddess]

After finding this forum, I started questioning many symptoms that both I and other members of my family have. I researched dermatitis herpetiformis for my son, and though that's not what he has, apparently I do have a mild case (or did, before going GF). However, I read an article about other,non-DH skin issues also related to celiac and did come across one that sounds exactly like my son.

Polly, maybe you can shed some light on this: he has always had very bumpy skin, especially on his legs, but the bumps are not red and don't seem to bother him. In the winter his skin is more irritated in places where it gets chafed (like around the waistline), but the bumpy legs stay all the time. Does this sound consistent with keratosis pilaris? And has anyone found a correlation between KP and gluten sensitivity?

Sara has gotten the lowdown on the vast number of symptoms each of my family members has, but suffice it to say that all my kids should probably be tested! This is just fuel for the fire.

[Zizzle]

Cynthia,
I think KP is pretty common, especially on the back of the upper arms. Does he have it there too?

I have a skin condition that I think is considered pretty rare, Cutaneous Mucinosis (LICHEN MYXEDEMATOSUS/ Papular Mucinosis), not sure which variety of it. I get it on my upper legs, upper arms, and more recently, on my outer forearm. It does seem to get worse in chaffed areas or near contact with metal (jeans grommets touching my hips, and I'm sensitive to nickel, ring fingers). It looks like permanent, flat goosebumps, and can have a waxy feel, especially when its flaring. The bumps are not red, just slightly lighter than my normal skin color. I had a major flare after the birth of my son and it lasted 9 months. Back then it turned pink, itched, and eventually developed purple dots in the centers.

I doubt your son would have this, but it just goes to show there's a wide variety of bumpy skin conditions!

Here are pictures of what it can look like (more pics at the bottom of the page on the same patient)


http://dermatlas.med.jhmi.edu/derm/inde ... -797270219

[draperygoddess]

Yes, he does have bumps on the backs of his arms--although his arms aren't as bad as his legs. I'm fairly certain it's KP. It doesn't bother him, so I'm not particularly worried about it--just wondering if there is any connection. He also has ADD-inattentive type, mild eczema, respiratory allergies, and "IBS."

[Lesley]

I also have KP, and looking back it has got worse since this flare. I never put that together before.

If it doesn't bother him you shouldn't worry about it. Sounds like it's the least of his problems.

[Polly]

Hi Cynyhia,

I'm not aware of any connection between K.P. and gluten sensitivity (but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist). It affects about 40% of the population and is commonly seen with eczema. The "IBS" you say your son has is a real red flag for me, however. Have you considered testing his stool at enterolab for gluten antibodies?

Hugs,

POlly