7 Myths and Facts about Celiac Disease

First published November 2014
Updated February 2026

If your child has been diagnosed with celiac disease, you may know that they need to avoid gluten – a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye – but you may still have many questions about exactly what that means and how it can be done safely and reliably.

Here are some common misunderstandings about celiac disease and the facts behind this often-confusing diagnosis:

Myth 1: Celiac disease and a wheat allergy are the same.

Fact: Wheat allergies are uncommon in children and these children need only to avoid wheat products. Children with celiac disease need to avoid all gluten as it will damage the lining of the small intestine – including wheat, barley and rye. While both can cause distressing gastrointestinal symptoms, a true wheat allergy will cause rapid onset of symptoms and possibly anaphylaxis. With celiac disease, symptoms may occur right away or could be prolonged but not life threatening.

Myth 2: Kids can outgrow celiac disease.

Fact: Celiac disease is a lifelong condition. While there is no known cure, a happy and healthy life is possible with proper management.

Myth 3: My child’s doctor can prescribe medication to treat celiac disease.

Fact: Currently there are no medications that are approved to treat celiac disease. There are many medications in development for celiac disease, but unlikely anything that will be available soon. The only treatment is to follow a gluten-free diet.

Myth 4: Gluten free means zero gluten.

Fact: It is nearly impossible to completely remove all traces of gluten from your diet. Research shows that most people with celiac disease can tolerate up to 20 ppm (parts per million) of gluten in their diet. This 20ppm threshold is what is used when testing food to certify it as gluten free.

Myth 5: Kids with celiac disease have to use gluten free soap, shampoo and lotion.

Fact: Gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin, but parents need to be aware of hygiene products that are easily ingestible, especially when bathing younger children.

Myth 6: If a product’s packaging says “Manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat” it is not safe for people with celiac disease.

Fact: It is possible for celiac-safe foods to be produced alongside foods that contain gluten, as long as the facility follows appropriate sourcing, cleaning, storage, production and testing procedures. When in doubt, visit the company’s website or call them to learn more about these practices.

Myth 7: Celiac disease is the same as gluten intolerance

Fact: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes tissue damage of the small intestine when gluten is ingested. Children with gluten intolerance may have the same symptoms as someone with celiac disease, but do not have small intestine damage.

It is important to not self-diagnose celiac disease in your child. If you think your child might have celiac disease, ask your pediatrician for a referral to Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Celiac Disease Center. Our experts can test and provide an accurate diagnosis and put your child on the proper path to treatment.