The Ultimate Guide to Understanding and Treating Keto Rash
What Really Is Keto Rash?
💡 KETO RASH – Keto rash is a rare, itchy skin condition that can occur when following a ketogenic diet, characterized by red, raised, and sometimes painful rashes, typically appearing on the chest, back, neck, and abdomen.
Are you currently on a low-carb, high-fat diet like the popular keto diet? Although this type of diet has multiple health benefits, some people may experience an uncomfortable and itchy rash called keto rash.
This rash usually appears on the neck, chest, and back, and it can leave people wondering if their diet is causing the rash.
This blog post will provide detailed information about keto rash, including its definition, causes, and treatment options.
Whether you’re experiencing the keto rash or are interested in learning more about this diet, read on to gain valuable insights into how keto can affect your skin!
Table of Contents
- What Is Keto Rash?
- Keto Rash Stages
- Symptoms of Keto Rash
- Causes: Why Does Keto Rash Happen?
- Treatment: How to Get Rid of Keto Rash?
- How to Prevent Keto Rash?
- When to See a Doctor
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
What Is Keto Rash?
The keto rash is a skin condition that causes an itchy and occasionally painful rash on the upper body. It’s a type of dermatitis called prurigo pigmentosa that’s frequently linked with the ketogenic diet.
It’s believed that being in a state of ketosis may play a role as the rash may occur when the body tries to remove ketones through sweat.
Although it is a rare condition, the keto rash can lead to discomfort and have a negative impact on a person’s daily life.
Keto Rash Stages
The keto rash has a clear progression, where each stage signifies a specific phase in the development of the condition.
- During the early stages, the rash consists of light pink raised skin lesions that may be mistaken for scratches.
- As the rash progresses to fully-developed lesions, it becomes more pronounced, with distinct red papules that can contain liquid or pus-filled cysts.
- As the rash starts to go away, the papules will dry up and darken in color, which is a sign that the lesions are healing.
- The skin develops a pattern of dark spots resembling a web, called reticulated hyperpigmentation, in later stages.
The rash can last for different amounts of time. Some people have it for a few days, while others have it for several months.
Symptoms of Keto Rash
The keto rash causes a red and itchy rash on the upper back, chest, and abdomen. The rash has raised, red, and itchy bumps that can look similar to other skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema.
It usually appears symmetrically on both sides of the body in a net-like pattern. After the rash subsides, the skin may develop a brownish discoloration.
It’s crucial to steer clear of heat, moisture, and friction as they can exacerbate the symptoms.
Causes: Why Does Keto Rash Happen?
The cause of the keto diet rash is not yet known. However, certain factors have been recognized that may play a role in the development of the rash.
- Ketones: When the body is in a state of ketosis, it produces ketones that may cause inflammation around blood vessels. This inflammation could potentially result in a rash on the skin.
- Low-carb diet: The strict ketogenic diet and other low-carb diets can cause keto rash due to the rapid weight loss associated with these diets, which may be related to the sudden decrease in carbohydrate intake.
- Prolonged fasting: In some cases, the keto rash may develop in individuals who undergo prolonged fasting like 20:4 fasting, leading to low blood sugar levels and subsequent ketosis.
- Allergens: Consuming certain foods on the keto diet can trigger allergic reactions that may lead to the development of keto rash.
- Nutrient deficiency: Eliminating certain types of food from your diet can result in not getting enough nutrients, which could be a factor in developing prurigo pigmentosa.
In addition, according to a 2021 study, the development of keto rash has been associated with various triggers, including:
- Rapid weight loss
- Sweating
- Friction from clothing or rubbing
- Acupuncture
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Contact dermatitis
- Diabetes mellitus
- Anorexia nervosa
- Pregnancy
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
Treatment: How to Get Rid of Keto Rash?
To cure keto rash, there are some at-home treatment options you can try before going to a doctor, such as:
Allow Some Time for It to Heal
The keto rash may resolve itself after a few weeks. It’s crucial to be patient and allow your body to adapt to the adjustments in your diet.
While waiting, wearing loose and breathable clothing can help minimize irritation to the affected areas.
Reintroduce Carbs
To reduce the rash, you can eat more carbs to stop the ketosis. Just make sure to gradually reintroduce carbs to prevent digestive problems.
Increase your carbohydrate intake enough to exit ketosis for a few days and check if the rash heals. Then, lower your carb consumption and go back to ketosis.
If the rash comes back, you might be sensitive to ketones and need a low-carb diet that doesn’t produce them consistently.
Eliminate Food Allergens
Eliminating the following food allergens from your keto diet might be necessary if you have a keto rash and suspect that any of these foods are worsening it:
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Fish
- Nuts
- Seeds
To identify potential triggers and avoid them in the future, you should keep a food diary to track what you eat and any symptoms you experience. Note that the keto diet can be abundant in common allergens.
Correct Nutrient Deficiencies
Eating a variety of foods rich in vitamin A like sweet potatoes, vitamin B-12 like eggs, and vitamin C like Brussels sprouts can prevent skin conditions like keto rashes caused by nutrient deficiencies.
If you’re not getting enough of these vitamins and minerals through your diet, taking supplements can help fill the gaps.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Taking supplements for vitamins and minerals that you’re not getting enough of is important to prevent deficiency-related issues.
This is especially crucial when transitioning to a ketogenic diet because sodium, potassium, and magnesium are often excreted in higher amounts.
Additionally, vitamins D, A, and niacin are necessary for skin health and skin inflammation prevention, while omega-3 can aid in reducing inflammation and improving skin health.
Eat Anti-inflammatory Foods
To combat the keto rash, it’s beneficial to adopt an anti-inflammatory diet. This involves consuming health-promoting foods, such as:
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Vegetables
- Fruits
Incorporating foods high in healthy fats can also be beneficial.
Take Care of Your Skin
If you have inflammatory skin conditions like the keto rash, it’s crucial to care for your skin properly.
Use gentle soaps and cleansers for cleaning and bathing with lukewarm water. Moisturize your skin when it’s dry and protect it from harsh weather conditions like the hot sun or cold wind.
These measures can help reduce symptoms.
Adjust Your Exercise Routine
Regular exercise can have anti-inflammatory effects and aid in the resolution of the rash.
But, engaging in high-intensity exercise for over two hours can lead to ketosis and potentially worsen the rash. Instead, try low-impact exercises such as walking or yoga.
If you have been exercising for extended periods, it’s best to reduce your activity level until the rash is healed.
Talk to Your Doctor About Medication
If the rash persists despite trying home remedies, it is advisable to see a doctor. They may prescribe topical creams or oral medications to relieve the symptoms and facilitate faster healing.
How to Prevent Keto Rash?
If you want to avoid suffering from a keto rash, here are some steps you can take to prevent it from occurring:
- Gradually transition to the keto diet: Gradually lower your carb consumption until your body is able to enter and maintain ketosis without experiencing a rash. Rushing to reduce carbs sharply is not recommended.
- Supplement with multivitamins or minerals initially: To avoid nutrient deficiencies and potentially prevent keto rash, consider taking a daily multivitamin or multimineral supplement when beginning the keto diet. This can help ensure your body is receiving all the necessary nutrients.
- Consult with a doctor: If you are worried about experiencing side effects from the keto diet like keto rash it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor. They can provide more information and may refer you to a dietitian who can help you safely transition to the keto diet.
To help your body adjust to ketone production and lower the risk of keto rash, follow these precautions during the first few weeks of starting the keto diet.
When to See a Doctor
Consult a doctor if the keto rash is all over your body, lasting for a long time, or if you have other symptoms like fever, chills, or difficulty breathing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Ketosis Rash Look Like?
The keto rash, also known as ketosis rash, is a red and itchy rash with a net-like pattern. It usually appears on the upper body but can also affect other parts. As it progresses, it may spread and cause dark pigmentation.
How Long Does Keto Rash Last?
The keto rash can last different lengths of time for different people. It may only last a few days or up to a few weeks for some. For others, it could continue for several months.
Is It Normal to Get a Rash on Keto?
Although uncommon, some individuals may develop a rash known as keto rash or prurigo pigmentosa during the early stages of ketosis while on the keto diet.
Final Thoughts
A low-carb or ketogenic diet may cause a rare condition called keto rash. Although the root cause of the rash is unknown, it is suspected that changes in the body’s metabolism because of the diet may be responsible.
To address the keto rash if you ever develop it while following a keto diet, you can try adding more carbs, consuming anti-inflammatory foods, and taking supplements.
It’s worth noting that the rash is usually not a serious issue and can disappear without treatment.
If you learned a thing or two from this blog, check out our website for more informative articles about the keto diet!