Wheat-related disorders is an umbrella term covering gluten sensitivity as in celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS), wheat allergy and adverse reactions to wheat that are not related to gluten. They are classified by the way they affect the immune system.
Celiac disease
An autoimmune disease that causes a typical type of damage to the intestinal lining, called villous atrophy, triggered by gluten.
Read more about celiac disease →
Dermatitis herpetiformis
Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a severe, chronic skin rash associated with celiac disease — extremely itchy and blistering. It is considered the skin form of celiac disease.
Not everyone with celiac disease develops DH, but people with DH have celiac disease outside the gut. In these individuals the intestinal damage is usually absent, so the biopsy is normal; diagnosis is made by blood tests and elimination diets.
The rash usually appears on the elbows, knees and buttocks, typically symmetrically on both sides of the body. When it clears it can leave light brown or pale marks where pigmentation is lost.
Non-celiac wheat sensitivity
Similar symptoms to celiac disease, without the same intestinal damage.
Wheat allergy
An IgE-mediated allergic reaction that can range from hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Adverse reaction to wheat
Reactions triggered by components of wheat other than gluten.
This information is for awareness and education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor before making changes to your diet or treatment.
Think you might have celiac disease?
Don’t stop eating gluten before you’re tested — it can hide the result.