Itchy, Itchy Skin

You have blisters filled with a watery fluid that itch like crazy.  Could it be a plant poison like poison ivy? You treat it, but the itching doesn’t stop, and the desire to scratch is overwhelming.  The usual remedies - creams, soaps, lotions, sprays aren’t working.  The eruptions are commonly found on the back of the neck, the scalp, elbows, knees, back, hairline, groin or face.  I have also seen them on the inner arms and behind the knees.  Intense itching or burning is often felt before the blisters appear.

The cause of this symptom could be gluten or gliadin intolerance, and these vesicles are Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH).  Intolerance to gluten, the amino acid sequence found in gliadin (wheat, barley, rye, and other grains), can go undetected, and cause damage to the lining of the small intestine, specifically the microvilli.  These microvilli secrete enzymes needed to digest lactose, maltose and sucrose.  Initial symptoms of the poor digestion of these sugars could include gas, bloating or diarrhea, and can exacerbate Irritable Bowel Syndrome as well as Autism Spectrum Disorders. 

A food-sourced enzyme called DPP-IV can break down the peptides that are created by undigested gluten, gliadin, or casein.  Loomis Formula GMH-3 mitigates lower bowel discomfort and itchy skin, especially as seen in IBS and Autism.  The area along the outer thigh is the Visceral Stress Reflex Point.

​Another interesting use of this formula is to assist in the digestion of Genetically Modified Food.  Look for my next Blog for further discussion!