The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that can lead to weight loss and other health benefits. However, it can also cause some unwanted side effects, such as brain fog, fatigue, electrolyte imbalance, and even a keto rash. Also known as prurigo pigmentosa, this rare inflammatory skin condition is characterised by an itchy, red rash that usually appears on the neck, chest, and abdomen. While the exact cause of keto rash is unknown, it is believed to be linked to the types of food typically consumed on a keto diet, such as common allergens like dairy, eggs, and seafood. Additionally, the lack of fibre and plant-based foods on a keto diet may alter gut bacteria, increasing the production of inflammatory compounds. To treat keto rash, some people may need to reintroduce carbohydrates into their diet, take antibiotics, or even stop the keto diet altogether. While Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine that can be taken orally or topically to help with the rash and itching, it is important to note that it does not address the root cause of the issue, which is the body's state of ketosis.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
What is it? | A red, itchy body rash with bumps that can look like a web |
Medical term | Prurigo pigmentosa |
Appearance | Red bumps on the neck, chest, back, and neck; occasionally on the face, scalp, and suprapubic region; rare involvement of mucous membranes, hair, and nails |
Cause | Unknown, but theories include common allergens in the keto diet and changes to gut bacteria |
Treatment | Antibiotics, reintroducing carbohydrates, antihistamines like Benadryl |
Prevention | Avoid the keto diet; if starting the keto diet, slowly lower your carbohydrate intake |
What You'll Learn
Benadryl is an antihistamine that can help treat the keto rash
Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine that can help treat the keto rash. It is available in pill and topical cream form.
The keto rash, or prurigo pigmentosa, is a rare, inflammatory skin condition that causes an itchy, red rash on the body, most commonly on the neck, chest, back, and abdomen. It is associated with the ketogenic diet, a low-carb, high-fat eating plan, but can also be triggered by other causes of ketosis, such as fasting, insulin-dependent diabetes, or bariatric surgery.
While the exact cause of the keto rash is unknown, it is believed to be related to the types of food typically consumed on the keto diet, which include common allergens like dairy, eggs, and seafood. Additionally, the diet's lack of fiber and plant-based foods may alter gut bacteria, increasing the production of inflammatory compounds.
Treatment for the keto rash typically involves reintroducing carbohydrates into the diet and correcting nutrient deficiencies. Antibiotics, such as doxycycline, are also used to treat the rash.
Some people have found relief from the keto rash by taking Benadryl, an over-the-counter antihistamine. Benadryl can be taken orally or applied topically to the affected area. It is important to note that while Benadryl may help alleviate the symptoms of the keto rash, it is not a cure. If you are experiencing a rash, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive proper treatment.
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The keto rash is a rare inflammatory skin condition
The keto rash, or prurigo pigmentosa, is a rare inflammatory skin problem. It is characterised by an itchy rash with vesicles (fluid-filled blisters) that often appear on the neck, trunk, and occasionally the face, scalp, and suprapubic region (lower abdomen and groin). The rash is most common among people of Asian descent, affecting women twice as often as men.
The exact cause of the keto rash is unknown, but it is thought to be linked to the types of food typically eaten on the keto diet, such as common allergens like dairy, eggs, and seafood. Another theory suggests that the diet's lack of fibre and plant-based foods alters gut bacteria, increasing the production of inflammatory compounds.
The keto rash can be treated at home by reintroducing carbohydrates, correcting nutrient deficiencies, eliminating food allergens, incorporating anti-inflammatory supplements, and taking care of your skin. If home treatments are unsuccessful, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics and other drugs.
Benadryl is an antihistamine that can be taken orally or used as a topical anti-itch cream. It is not specifically mentioned as a treatment for the keto rash, but it may help to alleviate symptoms such as itching.
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The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet
In this state, your body becomes incredibly efficient at burning fat for energy. It also turns fat into ketones in the liver, which can supply energy for the brain.
The keto diet is used to help reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures in children. It has also been tried for weight loss, but it's best to make this only a short-term dietary change to help jump-start weight reduction.
The keto diet involves limiting protein and carbohydrates, so most of your energy is produced from fat. The lack of carbohydrates in the diet triggers a state of ketosis, in which your body derives energy from the breakdown of fat.
Ketosis can also be triggered by fasting, insulin-dependent diabetes, or bariatric surgery. There is growing evidence that the connection between the keto rash and ketogenesis may involve the gut microbiome. An imbalance in the gut microbiome triggered by ketogenesis may impact a person's immune response, leading to a keto rash.
To treat a keto rash, you may want to consider reintroducing carbohydrates. A 2018 study found that incorporating carbs back into the diet significantly improved rash symptoms. If you're not ready to give up the keto lifestyle, you can always aim for a moderately low-carb diet instead.
The keto diet is generally safe, but there are some potential side effects and risks. It is high in saturated fat, which is linked to heart disease. The keto diet is also associated with an increase in "bad" LDL cholesterol. Other potential risks include nutrient deficiency, liver problems, kidney problems, constipation, and fuzzy thinking and mood swings.
Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting a ketogenic diet to develop a plan of action that involves a safe, slow transition into this new eating plan.
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The keto rash is characterised by an itchy, red rash on the neck and torso
The keto rash, also known as prurigo pigmentosa, is a rare inflammatory skin condition characterised by an itchy, red rash on the neck and torso. It can also appear on the face, scalp, and lower abdomen and groin. The rash is often accompanied by small bumps on the skin, known as papules, which take on a web-like appearance. In some cases, the rash may be accompanied by fluid-filled blisters.
The keto rash is strongly associated with the ketogenic diet, a low-carbohydrate, high-fat eating plan. It is most common in people of Asian descent, particularly young women, although cases have also been reported in people of Middle Eastern, Caucasian, Hispanic, and African descent. The rash typically appears about a month after starting a keto diet and usually subsides within 18 days of ending the diet.
While the exact cause of the keto rash is unknown, it is believed to be linked to the state of ketosis, where the body uses stored fat instead of glucose for energy. This can be triggered by a restrictive diet, as well as other factors such as fasting, insulin-dependent diabetes, or bariatric surgery. There may also be external factors that aggravate the rash, such as sunlight, excessive heat, sweating, friction, and allergens.
If you experience the keto rash, there are several at-home treatment methods that may help:
- Reintroduce carbohydrates: Increasing carbohydrate intake has been shown to improve rash symptoms. A moderately low-carb diet may be a suitable alternative to the keto diet.
- Correct nutrient deficiencies: Ensure your diet includes an array of colourful fruits and vegetables to provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Eliminate food allergens: Many common foods on the keto diet, such as eggs, dairy, fish, and nuts, are also known allergens. Identify and eliminate any specific food allergens that may be triggering or worsening your rash.
- Incorporate anti-inflammatory supplements: Probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin D, and fish oil supplements have been used to help improve symptoms of dermatitis.
- Take care of your skin: Use lukewarm water for bathing and gentle, fragrance-free, dye-free cleansers. Keep your skin moisturised when dry and protected when exposed to the elements.
- Talk to your doctor: If home treatments are ineffective, consult a healthcare provider. Antibiotics such as minocycline and doxycycline have been prescribed to treat prurigo pigmentosa effectively.
To prevent the keto rash, it is recommended to gradually lower your carbohydrate intake and consult a healthcare provider before starting the keto diet.
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Antibiotics are another treatment for the keto rash
In one case, a patient was prescribed a 10-day course of doxycycline, which cleared the rash within a week.
Tetracyclines are antibiotic medicines also used to treat prurigo pigmentosa. These medicines are said to prevent the skin rash from forming.
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Frequently asked questions
Keto rash, or prurigo pigmentosa, is a rare inflammatory skin problem that causes an itchy rash with vesicles (fluid-filled blisters). It often appears on the neck, chest, back, and abdomen.
The exact cause of keto rash is unknown. One theory is that the types of food eaten on the keto diet, such as common allergens like dairy, eggs, and seafood, may trigger a rash. Another theory suggests that the diet's lack of fiber and plant-based foods alters gut bacteria, increasing the production of inflammatory compounds.
There are several treatment methods for keto rash. Reintroducing carbohydrates into the diet is one way to ease the rash. Antibiotics, such as doxycycline, are also used to treat the rash. Other treatments include correcting nutrient deficiencies, eliminating food allergens, and incorporating anti-inflammatory supplements.
Benadryl is an antihistamine that can be taken orally or topically to help with allergies and hives. While it may not directly treat keto rash, it can help with some of the symptoms, such as itching.
Yes, in addition to the treatments mentioned above, it is recommended to take care of the skin affected by the rash. This includes avoiding scrubbing or scratching the skin, using fragrance-free and gentle cleansers, and allowing the affected area to air dry whenever possible.