Keto Means
Photo by Marina Ryazantseva Pexels Logo Photo: Marina Ryazantseva

What is keto skin?

Keto rash, often formally known as prurigo pigmentosa, is a rare, inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by a red, itchy rash around the trunk and neck. The keto rash is a type of dermatitis that can occur in anyone but is most common in Asian women.

How long does it take for carbs to leave your body?
How long does it take for carbs to leave your body?

“Simple carbohydrates, such as plain rice, pasta or simple sugars, average between 30 and 60 minutes in the stomach,” she adds. “But if you put a...

Read More »
What to eat when you crave sugar on keto?
What to eat when you crave sugar on keto?

High fiber veggies make you feel full longer. Vegetables like squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets are also great keto snacks that can help...

Read More »

Overview If you’ve been involved in the health and wellness world lately, you’ve likely heard of the keto diet. The ketogenic diet, also referred to as the keto diet, is a low-carb, high-fat diet. With a very low carbohydrate intake, the body can run on ketones from fat instead of glucose from carbs. This leads to increased fat-burning and weight loss. However, as with any drastic dietary change, there can be some unwanted side effects. Initial side effects of the keto diet may include brain fog, fatigue, electrolyte imbalance, and even a keto rash. Here’s everything you need to know about the keto rash, including what can cause it, how to treat it, and how to prevent it from happening. Symptoms of the keto rash Keto rash, often formally known as prurigo pigmentosa, is a rare, inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by a red, itchy rash around the trunk and neck. The keto rash is a type of dermatitis that can occur in anyone but is most common in Asian women. Most of the in-depth research on the subject has previously involved young Japanese women. Symptoms of the keto rash may include: an itchy, red rash that occurs primarily on the upper back, chest, and abdomen

red spots, called papules, that take on a web-like appearance

a dark brown pattern left on the skin once the spots disappear

Causes of the keto rash Research on the link between the keto diet and prurigo pigmentosa is limited. However, there’s some evidence that suggests a correlation between the two. Researchers are still not entirely sure what causes keto rash, but there are thought to be several associated conditions. These include: Still’s disease

Sjögren’s syndrome

H. pylori infection In addition, there’s a strong correlation between this acute rash and the presence of ketosis, which is how it gets its nickname “keto rash.” Ketosis occurs most commonly as a result of restrictive dieting and can also be seen in diabetics. If ketosis is accompanied by uncontrolled sugars, it can lead to a life-threatening condition known as ketoacidosis. With the keto diet, the goal is to be in ketosis. In one case study, a 16-year-old female was found to have developed the rash roughly a month after undergoing strict dietary changes. In a similar case, a 17-year-old male sought medical care after developing both the rash and accompanying symptoms of arthritis. It was revealed during treatment that he had been following an extremely low-carbohydrate diet for more than a year. According to a review of the relevant literature, 14 different people over the course of two studies had been in ketosis when diagnosed with prurigo pigmentosa. There are also thought to be external factors that may aggravate the keto rash. These include things such as sunlight and excessive heat, sweating, friction and skin trauma, and allergens. Treatment for the keto rash There are several at-home treatment methods for the keto rash, should you experience it: 1. Reintroduce carbohydrates If you believe that a recent change to your diet is the cause of your 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 completely give up the keto lifestyle just yet, you can always aim for a moderately low-carb diet instead. 2. Correct nutrient deficiencies Nutrient deficiencies may play a role in certain inflammatory skin conditions. Deficiencies in vitamin A, vitamin B-12, and vitamin C have been linked with both acute and chronic skin conditions. If you’re eating an overly restrictive diet, your body may not be getting all the vitamins and minerals it needs. Eating an array of colorful fruits and vegetables is a great way to ensure that you’re eating all the nutrients nature has to offer. 3. Eliminate food allergens The keto diet places an emphasis on low-carb, high-fat foods. Some of the most common foods to eat on the ketogenic diet are eggs, dairy, fish, and nuts and seeds, to name a few. Coincidentally, many of these foods also happen to be on the list of common food allergens. With food allergies being a source of inflammation, it’s important to eliminate any foods you’re allergic to that may be worsening your rash symptoms. 4. Incorporate anti-inflammatory supplements In addition to dietary changes, certain supplements may assist the body in fighting inflammatory conditions. Probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin D, and fish oil supplements have all been used in clinical studies to help improve symptoms of dermatitis. A 2014 review of the current literature on herbal supplementation found that evening primrose oil may also yield promising results for those with dermatitis. 5. Take care of your skin It’s important to take care of your skin as much as possible. This is especially true if you have inflammatory skin conditions. The National Eczema Association recommends using lukewarm water for bathing and showering, and cleaning only with gentle soaps and cleansers. The group also recommends keeping your skin moisturized when dry and protected when out in the elements, such as the hot sun or cold wind. 6. Talk to your doctor about medication If home treatments fail to clear up the rash, a visit to your doctor may be necessary. Effective medications prescribed for prurigo pigmentosa are the antibiotics minocycline and doxycycline. Dapsone may also be used for treatment.

Which nuts have the most protein?
Which nuts have the most protein?

With 9.5 grams of protein per 1/4 cup (37 grams), peanuts beat out all other nuts on the list in terms of protein content. Dec 2, 2020

Read More »
What is normal A1C for a 70 year old?
What is normal A1C for a 70 year old?

The key measure of diabetes control is hemoglobin A1c. For healthy over 65ers with long life expectancy, the target should be 7.0 – 7.5%. Jul 7, 2014

Read More »

Can you toast breadcrumbs in air fryer?
Can you toast breadcrumbs in air fryer?

Cut stale bread into 1″ inch squares. No need to remove the crusts, I prefer that they stay on. Transfer the bread to the air fryer basket and...

Read More »
Why is my stomach getting flatter but not losing weight?
Why is my stomach getting flatter but not losing weight?

It's possible to gain muscle and reduce body fat without actually seeing a change in your weight. This happens when you lose body fat while gaining...

Read More »
How quickly will I start to lose weight on keto?
How quickly will I start to lose weight on keto?

Anecdotally, people report losses within the first week of anywhere from 1 pound (0.5 kg) to 10 or more pounds (5 kg). The larger you are, the more...

Read More »
What happens if you eat more protein than fat on keto?
What happens if you eat more protein than fat on keto?

“Protein will not kick you out of ketosis if you have a lot, but it will definitely lower the amount of ketones in your blood.” Since slightly more...

Read More »