Keto Rash.... :(

science
(Kendra ) #1

Hey all… 2 months into keto and loving it, however about a month in I developed keto rash under my breasts and also in-between my breasts about 3 inches down my chest. Over the past months I go through periods where it flares up, gets better, and then flares up again. It mostly gets bad when I sweat. Has anyone else experienced this? Does it go away? I’m riding it out hoping it goes cause I don’t want to quit keto!

(Ted) #2

Hi Kendra,

I had the rash about 5 years after starting keto when I was doing extremely low carb (under 5g/day total carbs) What worked for me based on some recommendations on this site, I started using Tea Tree body wash. I used Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Body Wash, 16 ounce : Body Scrubs. I’m sure others can work well too. Initially it helped with the itching, but after a couple of weeks the rash went away as well. I found that I like to the tea tree so much that is all I use now.
I’ve also read that if it is stubborn, you should consider adding a few carbs back into your diet. If you find this is necessary, I recommend you do that just once or twice in a week or so, and keep it moderate, no more than 50g or do for that day. Once the rash goes away for a week or so you can try going back to more strict low carb and see how it responds. Since my “rash of fun” over a year has passed with no recurrence.
Hope this helps.

(Brandy) #3

I’ve gotten the rash 4 times in the last 9 months, each bout being worse and spreading larger than the last. I tried tea tree, oregano, lavender and myrrh oils (mostly topical, diluted in carrier oils such as coconut). I also tried washing my body in Selson Blue shampoo. I also took apple cider vinegar internally (well diluted), as well as using it on my skin. None of these treatments cured, but they did help ease the itch and pain.

I finally just started doing a carb refeed whenever it appeared, but found that it took three days of eating carbs to kick it. I would pack on five pounds, sometimes more- but it would go away again within a few days of eating well again and it made the rash go away. If you choose this method, go into it willingly and mindfully, as after only two months keto, it may prove difficult to get back on track. But if you experience it again in the months to come, it’ll be easier and easier as your bod gets firmly fat adapted.

Now, the rash hasn’t appeared again since the end of August and I’m hoping my body is finally done with it.

(Ted) #4

Yes, well done! It’s a process and our bodies have to realign with our nutritional input. The longer you are keto the more metabolic flexibility you have so it’s easier to eat some carbs then go back to ketosis without any side affects. Just think long term and don’t give up because of a short-term problem…as the “dudes” say, “keep calm and keto on”

(Fernando Urias) #5

Minute 23:30 has the apple cider vinegar and berries protocol.
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(Paulene ) #6

Hi Brandy @Wahinewanders, so this is where I am at now. I increased to 50g for a couple of days, no change. Currently at about 80-100g, still with little noticeable change.

How much did you have to increase carb intake before you saw a difference? Do I need to go to a pasta & pizza bar??

(Brandy) #7

@Paulene- I honestly don’t know what my carb threshold was, but yeah, on a couple of occasions I did go after the pizza about it. If I recall correctly, I started trying to keep it really clean- a sweet potato, etc. but wound up really going for it. To tell the truth though, I still get the rash on occasion and I’m now two years Keto. I just decided to stay Keto and power through. I’ve noticed that it comes along whenever I am experiencing times of weight loss. Those big whooshes. Given that, I’m confident it’s due to all the junk that gets released from cells during the fat loss process. That’s about as sciency as I’m qualified to get about it. :wink:

Hang in there. I know it’s maddening.

(Paulene ) #8

Thanks @Wahinewanders. I carbed out yesterday - bread, rice and pasta. Ugh! But the rash is looking less angry today so here’s hoping it’s worth it.