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Gluten-free because of her eczema - need blood tests? |
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“Should my daughter get blood tests for gluten? My daughter (17 months old) has gone on a gluten-free diet because of her eczema. After only 3 weeks the eczema vanished! This is great and I can stop using the creams from the doctors. But should I get her tested properly?”
I reply: Yes, get her tested for gluten. Everyone who goes gluten-free should get a blood test first. It is still useful even 6 months after going gluten-free. In my experience, gluten is a very common driver of eczema. Everyone with persisting eczema should look at the possibility of gluten being the culprit. The blood test that she needs is the IgG-gliadin antibody test. Many laboratories will not do this test (they say it is old fashioned!). Yes, I am thrilled that by going gluten-free has "cured" her eczema – yes, she certainly does need blood tests. Cheers, Dr Rodney Ford.
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