- With Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist
Michael Picco, M.D.
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Michael Picco, M.D.
Michael Picco, M.D.
Dr. Michael F. Picco has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999. He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Dr. Picco is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and a consultant in gastroenterology at Mayo Clinic in Florida.
He has authored numerous publications in the area of gastroenterology, including original research, editorials and textbook chapters. He works with a team of gastroenterologists that takes care of complex gastrointestinal conditions and has a particular interest in diarrheal illnesses and inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease). He is also active in medical education in training new gastroenterologist and internists.
"MayoClinic.com is an invaluable resource for patients and their families," Dr. Picco said. "Informed patients are better able to participate in their own health care. A patient's participation is vital to the treatment of his or her disease. I hope to assist in helping patients understand their digestive problems and current treatments that are offered. This will allow for better communication between patients, their physicians and other health care professionals."
Dr. Picco serves as a reviewer of new research for several medical journals in the area of gastroenterology and is an active member of the American Gastroenterological Association, American College of Gastroenterology and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. He serves on numerous committees that address physician training, research and clinical practice in gastroenterology, both at Mayo Clinic and at the national level.
"Patients need to know about their disease, what to expect, the latest treatments and side effects so that they can make informed decisions about their health care. Gastrointestinal disease affects not only patients but also their families. My goal is to assure that our Web site provides accurate, reliable information and resources for patients. We must always provide the latest, most cutting-edge information to assist patients in dealing with their medical problems," Dr. Picco said.
More answers
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- Celiac disease diet: How do I get enough grains?
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Question
Celiac disease: Can gluten be absorbed through the skin?
If I have celiac disease, do I need to be concerned about sunscreens, shampoos and cosmetics that contain gluten?
Answer
from Michael Picco, M.D.
Gluten can't be absorbed through the skin, although this is a common misperception. Celiac disease is triggered by consumption of gluten. For this reason, people with celiac disease must eliminate all gluten from their diet. Gluten-containing skin-care products and cosmetics aren't a problem unless you accidentally swallow them. For this reason, you should avoid using such products on your lips or around your mouth. Also, avoid using gluten-containing dental products, such as mouthwash and toothpaste. If you're uncertain about whether a product contains gluten, check the ingredient list on the product label or call the manufacturer.
Some people develop a form of celiac disease called dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), which causes an itchy, blistering rash. This skin disorder is also linked to gluten intolerance. But although it involves the skin, DH is caused by ingesting gluten, not by skin contact with gluten. So, eliminating gluten from your diet will help clear up DH as well.
If you use a cosmetic or skin-care product that contains gluten and you develop a skin reaction, seek the advice of your doctor or dermatologist to help identify the cause. It is possible to have an allergy to wheat or another grain that could cause a skin reaction.
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