You started your keto weight loss program, implemented an exercise routine, and you feel like everything is going great… when suddenly a rash shows up, and you don’t know why. It’s possible that because you are following a keto diet, your body is in a state known as ketosis, when it doesn’t have enough carbohydrates to burn for energy. Instead, it burns fat and makes things called ketones, which it can use for fuel. In certain people, ketosis can lead to a rash.
Why Does a Keto Rash Occur?
A keto rash, also known as prurigo pigmentosa, is an inflammatory response in the body that’s triggered by a keto diet. It shows in the form of red colored spots on the back and/or torso area.
Despite its appearance, keto rash is not harmful but has an irritating itch.
While the precise cause of the keto rash is unknown, researchers have a few theories on why it happens, such as:
Sweat Chemicals From Ketosis: Acetone & Ketones
One of the external factors that can influence the development of the keto rash is sweat that dries on the body. When you enter ketosis, your body produces ketones that are later eliminated through your sweat. One of these ketones is known as acetone, the same acetone used as a nail polish remover. Acetone can irritate the skin and may provoke a keto rash. In most cases, the distribution of the itch and rash matches areas (chest, back, armpits, and sometimes the neck) where sweat can accumulate.
Allergies or Histamine Reactions
I have seen patients have an allergic reaction when their bodies go through ketosis. Histamine sensitivity can be one of the causes of the keto rash. Also, many foods recommended on the keto diet are high in histamines, such as avocados, cheese, sauerkraut, and more.
Yeast Infections Within The Body
As a result of ketosis, your body goes through a significant detox process, eliminating heavy metals which can cause a yeast reaction. Heavy metals are bonded to yeast. When your body starts removing toxins such as heavy metals through the ketosis by burning fat cells, it leaves a floating yeast which can cause a systemic reaction such as the keto rash.
Fat Detox
When your body is in ketosis, it burns fat cells to be used as fuel for your body because it can’t find enough carbohydrates to burn. However, your fat cells store and maintain heavy metals, hormonal imbalances, and various toxins that can be harmful to the body.
Get Rid of a Keto Rash Naturally in 5 EASY Steps
Now that we have addressed the possible causes for a keto rash, we can look at some approaches to alleviate the symptoms and get rid of the keto rash altogether.
1 Motivate Your Lymphatic System
Because while your body is experiencing ketosis, it goes through a natural detox process. You can incentivize your lymphatic flow to aid this detox action. Your lymphatic system can be stimulated by exercise, hydrotherapy, breathing, lymph drainage therapy, massage, and Lymph Stim, a homeopathic lymphatic drainer which I highly recommend to promote lymph flow.
2 Combat Histamine Reaction
If the keto rash you are experiencing is really red and inflamed it can be a sign of a histamine reaction in your body. But you can fight this severe reaction by using N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC). It can help with the histamine response as it is known to have liver-protective properties and to support healthy immune functioning.
3 Tame the Redness And Itchiness
This third step does not offer a cure for keto rash, but it certainly can help with the redness and itchiness. Topical Calendula Cream is made from the flower of the marigold plant Calendula officinalis. This homeopathic cream is often applied to the skin to alleviate burns, bruises, cuts, and rashes. It can help to heal faster and fight minor infections caused by skin conditions.
4. Liver Detox
While you’re in ketosis you’re eliminating a significant amount of toxins that were stored in your fat cells.
It is essential to help your liver detox properly.
For this reason, I recommend using the following:
- Liver Health Detox Support Supplement is an herbal blend that helps your liver eliminate toxins.
- Roasted Dandelion Root Tea, the polysaccharides in dandelion are known to aid the liver in filtering harmful chemicals in food, diminish stress on the liver, and help with its capacity to produce bile.
- Liquid Milk Thistle can prevent damage to the liver.
5. Add Carbs Back Into Diet
This final step is not one that keto dieters are too happy about, but it is necessary to understand that your body can react negatively to dramatic changes such as cutting all carbs. Thus, you can slowly incorporate carbs into your diet to prevent keto rash.
This can also be a critical aspect of balancing your gut, which can be off-balance due to the yeast and toxins being eliminated due to the keto diet. Here you can find more information about it.
Though a keto rash may be little uncomfortable, with a few important steps you can reverse it and help put balance back into your body. A keto rash is a sign from your body that it needs some attention, and the sooner you can help it, the sooner you can get back to living your life!
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