You have a way of speaking that automatically commands attention. I love listening to your talks. I have learned so much already from these talks. Please continue to enlighten us!
**If you have the rash**: Please try eating celery (approx 200 grams a day) and drink diluted fresh lemon juice (ca. 2 tablespoons in a glass of water, 4 times a day). It has worked incredibly well for me (within 24 hours!), and I have tried almost everything until now without success, including; Bile salts, digestive enzymes, electrolytes, frequent showers, cold showers, dandelion root extract, nigella sativa, selsun blue, different vitamins and minerals, omega 3, drinking more water, avoiding high histamine foods, etc.
Omg 😮, I wish I had known this back in January 2019 when I started Keto and dove right in. I got Keto rash so bad it was like being covered in poison ivy rash. Itched so bad I thought I would go crazy. Yes, it was that bad! I looked everywhere for info. Found nothing except it was probably my imagination 😢 Finally found a few Keto people who suffered from Keto rash too. Mine only lasted a week. I was advised to use Selsun Blue dandruff shampoo and that worked to ease the itch. Thank you so much Dr. Cywes for this info. This will help others to not suffer like I did.
Was selsun Blue the only thing you used? My body is on fire...I have used topical creams...nothing has helped. I can't sleep...it's affecting my focus at my job. Please let me know what else helped. Thank you
Mjn MLB Yes, I put it all over my itchy places with a wash cloth and kinda rubbed it in. I looked like a blue berry 😂. Then I let it sit for few minutes and rinsed. Make sure you get the original one with the anti itch medicine in it. This was the only thing that worked for me.
Every time I have tried to do the keto diet I end up with a keto rash on the back of my neck and in between my breasts. This last time I was able to suffer through it and it finally went away after four months. It’s nice to finally have an explanation of how this happened! So many people out there saying it’s a vitamin deficiency, I took so many supplements and nothing ever helped. My body just had to get adapted. I dove into the deep end too fast! Thank you doctor for this explanation.
@Dan M7 might be stupid to you but various blood tests from people show otherwise. Synthetic B12 might temporarily cure the deficienciy but the vitamin isn't used the same way B12 is. Curing B12 deficiency isn't the same as optimizing B12 levels. Nutritional yeast would be better for b12. Synthetic Vitamin C tends to give u only 1 of 3 parts of vitamin C other than the supplement being linked to kidney stones. Link a study demonstrating synthetic folic acid preventing birth detects any better than natural folic acid. Vitamin K2 in itself can he used for bone disorders, synthetic K2 research is actually very limited. Know your facts before bringing pseudo-intellectual based arguments. "There is absolutely KK difference between natural and synthetic" are u that ignorant that u can't tell the chemical makeup differences.? Also calcium bicarbonate put you at risk for a high calcium in the blood unless paired with copper. Natural calcium doesn't do that. "Honestly don't understand why people like yourself say wrong things" I honestly don't understand why people like you think that just because you view something wrong doesn't mean it is. Also you linked no research to your hypothesis which means it can be taken with a grain of salt. "Like why? What's the point"? Im glad you think you are woke but you have a lot of research to catch up on. you're the same person who probably thinks you can eat whatever you want as long as you are taking your vitamins 😂
Marion Nikoloudaki, 👋🏻 Hello. I tried cortisone cream for itch relief but it didn’t work. I used bentonite clay mixed with a little water and used it as a mask for my neck. They say it can help pull toxins from the skin. The bentonite clay was the only thing that provided any itch relief, but it was not the cure, it just helped me through the waiting period.
I’ve learned in German nutrition classes, that keto rash is being caused by a high amount of ketone acids inside your blood, so if you sweat it’s acidic and it causes skin harm. Speaking from my experience it goes away after two weeks, you just need to shower a lot more
I think you are right about the acidity. My skin definitely felt different and was also warmer than usual. Sweating made everything worse. Unfortunately for me it didn't go away after 2 weeks and I was showering twice a day.
Hi Robert - Finally I foud someone that explain to me what I had 4 times, you. All the doctors I tryed had no idea what was going on in my body in the first year of my "ketogenic diet". God bless you Dr. for your work on youtube. You are really making a huge difference in this world. My gratitude to you.
I wanted to affirm what Dr. Cywes is saying, but adding speculation what causes the rash. I went from eating a mostly vegetarian, low fat, 6 small meals/day + healthy snacks (apples, nuts, etc.) before going full keto. After a few days/week later, I had developed hiccups from eating a high fat diet my body wasn't accustomed to (bacon, HWC, butter, etc). But I was determined to follow keto to the letter. I cut out all carbs and ate 20G total carb in the form of greens. My breath began to be filled with heavy acetone odor every time I exercised, or even doing housework. When the intense ketone breath started (about 2 weeks into keto), the rash started. I exercise regularly and the rash appeared in the areas where I sweat more profusely (armpit, back, under breasts and groin area). The rash was like having poison ivy on top of a bad sunburn - painful as well as itchy. I tried everything (creams, supplements, etc.) but nothing worked (epsom salt baths after exercise did bring some relief). I am TOFI and my waistline measured 35" well-developed "muffin top" even I am only 5'5". I do know that an MRI revealed that I had spots on my liver that were detected during a heart scan. I am guessing I had some stage of NAFLD. So when I went whole-hog keto, My body went into ketosis rather quickly (in 3 days). When I started exercising more (walking every day) I'm guessing that the toxins were excreting from my liver and that by sweating, I developed an allergic reaction from my own toxic sweat. I did find that eating a handful of carrots each meal brought the intensity of itch down a couple of notches and made it at least tolerable. I had that rash for 2 months and in another 2 months it went away. Guess what else went away? My belly fat (swollen liver). I lost 6" off my waist without doing a single sit-up or crunch! When I finally stopped smelling the excessive ketones on my breath, the rash finally disappeared. My diet stayed keto during the rash phase and I did allow myself up to 50g carbs, only in the form of healthy vegetables. Once the rash disappeared, I went back down to 20g carbs (I don't count them anymore because I know what to eat). I've lost 25lbs, another inch off my waist, my Fibromyalgia is gone (which was the biggest motivator to stay in keto even though that rash was pure misery). So I agree with Dr. Cywes that I should've gradually implemented keto. I did eat plenty of fat from the start though, so this is why I think the rash comes from a toxic liver trying to heal itself instead of from lack of fat (although that could be a factor, too). I also have heard that this rash is more common among people of Asian descent, which I am. I know the rash is utter misery, but once your body adjusts and your liver heals, the itching will go away.
It’s interesting you mentioned it’s related Asians, which I am too. My assumption is it’s more likely happened to the people without much fat starting with. Most Asians are slender than average. My another assumption is it could be our body is allergic to acetone released from the state of ketosis, which is toxic. Is your rash completely gone?
@@meiliu1020 Yes, it stopped completely after about 3 months. But it does return sparsely in certain areas of my body when I sweat too much for too long. It also goes away faster after it recurs - in a few days now instead of months. I don't get the discoloration from the rash anymore either. I think your ketone-allergy skin sensitivity hypothesis might be correct. I still get incredibly strong ketone breath whenever I engage in prolonged, strenuous exercise. I'm currently looking into food allergies like strawberries or nuts that might be the cause. I've been fat adapted about 1.5 years and since adopting a more Carnivore diet, it has helped me to discover foods that have caused me terrible inflammation. My belly fat, gas and bloating are gone and I feel decades younger! It was worth going through that period of rash to get where I'm at today.
@@cmorrison5466 thank you for the detailed and quick response! Great to hear! I don’t think keto rash is related to food allegy. I used to eat berries, nuts and many other things, I’ve never had this keto rash although I had eczema occasionally. But as soon as I went to carnivore diet and I didn’t eat any vegetable then I got keto rash. It’s definitely associated fat or carbs. I just need to be patient. You’re right. It’s worth it !
@@meiliu1020 It could be that typical Asian diet has more oxalates. Tea, coffee, dark leafy greens (spinach especially), soy, nuts and citrus fruits for example. Perhaps that is why an ex-vegetarian would also get a bad keto rash. I have been doing carnivore for some months, and the keto rash has appeared again (when I first tried keto, I always started sooner at 1,5 weeks or so). I have been drinking coffee still though, and I think my rash is getting slightly worse when I'm trying to wean off of it (not sure if related, but I think I read something about having some oxalates hinders oxalates from dumping). Probably being a carnivore, I was just in a slight ketosis, so it didn't return as fast as previously, so the deepness of ketosis is most likely a factor as well.
Interesting. I have the keto rash and I'm not on the keto diet. I'm fasting. No food. I think it has more to do with being in the state of ketosis than what you are or are not eating. I lean more towards acetate reacting with folks with sensitive skin or toxins leaving the body and again, irritating skin....usually brought up by sweating, always in my case. I can be in ketosis, not sweat, and have no issue....as soon as I sweat and something comes out of my body and irritates my skin, boom rash. It amazes me that Doctors can't figure this out.
Every time I fast for longer periods, it stimulates autophagy. Then I get keto rash. I think it's the toxins and heavy metals being dumped into the blood stream which were stored in the fat. Then causing an allergic reaction. And boy is it unbearable at times. So mentally, emotionally and physically challenging.
I LOVE keto and fasting, but every time I tried it I would get a terrible rash to the point where I could not sleep or live it was terrible. I tried creams, bile salts, etc. Nothing worked. I just recently found out on Tik Tok that pickle juice helps. This time around I tried pickle juice right when I noticed the rash. IT WENT AWAY THE NEXT DAY!!! But I had to drink like a gulp or two of pickle juice like every 4 hours or else the rash would start to come back. Pickle juice hahaha
Phenom video! Such great info. I did get keto rash & kidney stones both, about a year into my lifestyle. I had no idea why, I started taking bile salts & eating more carbs and they resolved. I threw out the ox bile and started adding beef suet to my diet. I didn't realize that I was probably not getting enough fat.I've been doing this for almost 3 years. I bet it's why I would still get the carb cravings sometimes too.
Sally K. Norton says that keto rash really is an oxalate rash. And I totally believe she is right! Im on the carnivore diet and experience oxalate dumping periods, where I get terrible itching and rashes!
Great video and advice. I have been on the carnivore diet for over 4 weeks now and have been suffering severely with keto rash. Like most, I jumped straight into it and my protein intake was much higher then my fat intake. From what I can see now, what you are saying makes a lot of sense! I wish I had seen this video when I first started. Could have saved me a lot of pain, itch and sleepless nights!
goat kefir to soak for a few minutes, scalding hot shower to the affected area when in the shower, and charcoal pills as a binder helped me tremendously so hopefully it'll help you too.
@@brandonjcollins1062 topical treatment. Something about the bacteria of the kefir can help with herx reaction. It alleviated the itch for about an hour and a half.
Wow! Thank you so much! This was really helpful. I've been getting Keto Rash when I start fasting. After two days on my water fast, I started getting keto rash. I think I know what to do now to handle it. It was also very refreshing to hear a doctor say "I don't know.. but here is what I think"
I had the rash for months. Almost took me out of this WOE. Finally tried topically applying ACV (apple cider vinegar) - coincidence or not - it worked.
@@meowgum8499 it didn't help me. I kept breaking my diet with an apple and that was the only thing that helped. I get these rashes soon after I do keto after a day or two. Always applied acv not diluted, it still didn't work
I get keto rash after just 3 days of water fasting. It would last for weeks with pimples all over the body and even palms. Pinples filled with liquid. After I end ketosis, the rash subsides and the skin starts drying out and peeling with red skin jnder. So, at least for me, the protein break down has nothing to do with keto rash. The reason I absolutely 100% sure it is caused by ketosis: 1. The rash come in much faster if I'm more physically active during the first day of the fast. I burn off glycogen much faster. 2. Numerous test performed on the 2nd of my fast showed that I'm in either "deep" ketosis or optimal ketosis. From the top of my head 1.7mg/dL and Ketoscan showed 14. Over decades I've tried ketosis so many times but some of us are just not meant for it. 😔
Nettle root acts as a Natural antihistamine for me. I have had horrible itching and it soothes it. I also take Tudca, and Mikk Thistle. But you may only need one of them!
This is so TRUE!! I got bronchitis March 19, 2019 & God delivered me from a 32 year smoking habit. When I went to the doctor & they MADE me get on a scale & I saw 155 pounds (I use to be 97-120 pounds my whole life) I knew I had to do something before quitting smoking made me gain MORE weight! So on May 3rd I jump into the deep end of a keto diet. Taking the pop I drank EVERY day out along with the bread, cereal, pasta that I ate DAILY. Talk about traumatizing myself! In June I decide to get my IUD out that I had for 7 1/2 years. All of this done at once landed me in the hospital barely being able to walk or raise my arms & my body swelled up with edema & instead of losing weight while only eating 800-1200 calories a day my body GAINED weight! They then diagnosed me with Hashimoto's disease & told me Keto will kill me to stop that diet and add carbs! Even though I have been pre diabetic for 10 years! Of course I didn't listen to them and continued on Keto. So here I am months later. I upped my calories to 1600-2000/day. My IBS is totally gone and my insulin resistance is under control and I'm down 18 pounds. I wish I knew to not jump in the deep end and I'm happy you're out here letting others know that! God bless you! XX
Laken Conner2 When starting Keto for the first time, it’s easy to cut out the carbs but then the difficult part is replacing them with fats so that your not reducing your calories so drastically. I think everyone that starts Keto should have a game plan as to what foods they are going to replace the carbs with and have them available because 1) they help satiate you 2) they become fuel. It took me about 2 weeks to get fat adapted, before that I would get hangry. I did Keto cold turkey, no gluten, grains, legumes and starchy vegetables and of course NO sugar other than those that are naturally in vegetables and occasional berries and half an apple. I don’t drink milk but do use cream and butter. I went from 152 in late September to my ideal weight of 130 today. I found if I don’t eat enough fat, I get muscle fatigue, which I guess is because my body is converting protein to glucose. This is a lifestyle change for me, though now and then during social situations I may eat some bad carbs. I always pay the price though. Good luck on this endeavor.
I didn't know any of this but my natural inclination was to ease into keto a year ago. It took me about a month to get into ketosis. I started with keto breakfasts, then added lunch, then went full keto. No rashes, no keto flu, no side effects other than a lot of peeing for a week or so and that can't be avoided AFAIK.
I’ve been on low carbs for a year. And I went to Carnivore a month ago because I had eczema. Luckily my eczema is gone but meanwhile my keto rash came. Compared to eczema, it’s not bad. But it’s creeping in more areas now. Some areas is getting better then other places are getting worse. It’s been almost three weeks. I think I eat plenty of fat. Could it be our body is allergic to acetone? Since acetone is toxic. Doctor Cywes, please do more research about this. I was so pro no carbs diet. But the rash is sometimes really discouraging me to keep going. But I’m still hanging there. I still believe carnivore or keto is a way yo go.
You know how to speak and present the topic at hand. You also have a commanding presence and look. Tbh I was just going to add more veggies and buy biotin salt. But I might add fruit and oatmeal just for a week or 2 and then drop it to just veggies because I already eat a lot of fat and moderate protein max 160g a day since I am 6.4 and hit the gym and mma 4-5 times a week and just got into keto about 2,5 weeks ago and I feel great apart from the rash..
I had a small mysterious rash after I had been keto/ i.f. for a few months, but it disappeared after a couple weeks. Blood pressure is now normal, weight is now normal, brain fog is also gone... if a little rash is the only problem, I'm all for it. Who knows, the rash could have been from anything. Getting rid of the carbs is a pretty simple thing in the long run.
Thanks alot. Pertaining to gout, mainstream drs are taught that gout is from purines but Dr Berry here on you tube said he found out it was inflammation not put ones cause many of his pts that had high purine...didn't have gout at all. I've also recently learned that vegetables, nuts etc have high oxolates, doesn't bother all people but some people have a bad time with isolate dumping and should do keto slow like you said not over night. I'm moving toward carnivore because the fake sugars in keto make me crave real sugar alot and also I can't do cream cheeses or whipping cream which is in alot of recipes. Love you and your personality and your treatment of sugar addiction.
DJ L yes, oxalates cause rash, and other symptoms. Some people with high oxalates never get kidney stones. All the fat in the world will not help to eliminate oxalates.
The heavy whipping cream will cause weight gain - no matter what they tell you. It will! I never drank coffee til I started hearing healthy fats like heavy whipping cream are good for us. Over a year, I gained five pounds. Stopped drinking coffee with cream. Lost the five pounds. A lot of advice turns out not to be helpful.
I’ve been doing carnivore for months beef tenderloin salon trout chicken mushrooms very little veg Two slices of homemade bread on wknd no sodas sugar eggs one meal a day mon thru Friday I take mineral vitamins I have been itching for months scars on my arms legs feet scalp chest and I take iodine but no relief
Omg, I'm praying this advice will help me! I started keto a couple weeks ago - I don't have a visible rash, but develop hives once the incredible itchiness begins. It starts in different parts of my body & is so unbearable that it wakes me up even if I am able to fall asleep. So, basically - go slower & ADD FAT! Ok... I'm starting this today! Thank you Dr Cywes...I love your channel & watch your videos that pertain to keto/carnivore woe. I only have 20 lbs to lose & I'm healthy (thank God!), but I'm also doing it for long term health, considering I'm almost 60 & would like to stay healthy. Thank you again for what you do!!😊
Did anything ever work? I know he is right about people adding protein instead of fat, but the cause I'm not sure. People think you replace the carbs with protein, but is fat. So, the meat stays the same, you just add butter or tallow etc.
Thank you for this. It seems a lot of keto influencers dont even acknowledge keto rash. I've been under 50 carbs a day for almost 2 weeks. Tried going carnivore and ended up with a lovely rash. Mostly on my face and back. I dont think its from sweating. I reintroduced up to 20 carbs a day and it has faded. I've also tried to increase my fat intake. I've been eating meat with the fat but I still struggle to get my fat intake up for some reason.
Is there any new info on the theory that keto rash can be caused by toxins released from fat cells? I am a long time (7 year) lchf/keto foodie and I am fat adapted. I have recently dropped to my lowest weight in more than 20 years as I am now eating very high fat ketovore. I am definitely accessing more of my own fat stores, ‘eating in’. I am happy as a clam, high HDL, High LDL and low trigs. But damn I think I have keto rash!
@@meowgum8499 unfortunately no, but I did some research (am a genetics graduate) and the intense itching is alleviated with a combination of daily green tea, liver tonic, good sleep and I also applied olive oil and ice packs when it was really bad. Hope that helps!
This week is my 8 weeks of low carb diet...my scalp and skin started to itch in 7th weeks..didn't know about this until I checked what causes it..glad the itchiness isn't serious 😢
I was on an 85% fat keto and have continued to have the keto rash for many years. My kidneys are functioning great and I never started high protein - loved fat from the beginning.
Have you tried a b-complex and DHA/EPA fish oil supplement? Or, maybe even riboflavin even though that should be depleted by high fat, not protein. High protein should deplete biotin.
I did the same dive into the deep end 3 months ago and now have the keto rash. I’ve read and researched so many possible causes, bought supplements and am now taking Bentonite Clay every morning to detox and am still itchy. Another UA-cam Dr. whom I follow and actually use his guidelines for the diet suggests possible food allergy or too much fat and to increase vegetables…..my head spins with information out there. I’m still itchy but don’t want to give up Keto. I will increase my healthy fat intake and hope this resolves soon🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 🙏🏻 Thank you Doctor. I’m new to your channel, will watch more videos.
WRT supplements, I'd say benfotiamine and magnesium L-threonate have clearly been helpful in reversing the effects of diabetes, and vitamin D and vitamin K2 have also been instrumental in processing electrolytes.
Interesting take on the cause of keto rash. Megan Ramos (Dr. Jason Fung's partner at TFM) had been recommending adding low glycemic berries back into the diet for 2 weeks to deal with keto rash. Cutting back on the amount of the berries in week two.
Adding my own experience here. When I go keto, I dive in hardcore. No time to ramp up as per video suggestion. And at day 3 (or 4), I am in ketosis. Extremely low carb; less than the 21g/day for my body weight during induction phase. The keto rash for me always shows up behind the neck and right below my pits. Twice, it also showed up at my rear waist at center where the spine is. My experience is that once it shows up, it can take up to 4 days for it to go away and then I don't ever get it back. The longest I had been on keto is 9 weeks hardcore. I had been doing Keto since late 2016 with incredible success and each time, I learned that once I get the rash, my body is in ketosis. Nothing I tried would melt my belly fat quite as fast even with active working out and a very mindful diet. I assume my metabolism and insulin response is compromised someway somehow. I used pee strips and this time, used a breath meter so I can measure more data to learn more about my body. I do keto at least once a year for 2-4 weeks as maintenance and am currently in ketosis again. Figured I research the rash if anything had changed from a few years of my last research point. As I write this, my rash lasted two days this time with is a record for me. I still have the rash but it no longer itches nor had woken me up in the middle of the night due to itching. What is different in my process is that I included the use of goat kefir to soak the rash with a rag for a few minutes and it seemed to had done the trick in alleviating the itch. I also take scolding hot showers to aim the water stream to the affected areas....instant gratification. I also took charcoal pills as a binder with the thinking that my body might be excreting something at a large rate from the stored body fat (acids, as per video). These are the only two changes I made to my keto process having gone though keto around a dozen times in my life and never had encountered such quick remediation of the rash. I started taking the charcoal pills yesterday, a day after my rash got bad. Next time, I am going to experiment taking it as soon as I start doing keto. Good luck. I hope they figure out a remedy for this.
I tried spending money and time ,gradual application wasn't easy, yet I get that rash every time I'm on keto or close to it,even law carb gives me rash...the only solution is to go through keto without giving attention to rash but I'm afraid it would leave brown scars for good , thanks for advising ppl not to spend money though
I started keto in Feb. 2020. A month or two later, I got the keto rash, however, it never itched and I only had a few small rash spots on my torso. They were gone when summer season started.
I think "keto rash" is caused by the competition between ketones and uric acid for excretion by the kidneys. Newcomers (like me) are making abundant ketones long before we are "fat adapted" to burning ketones for fuel. It is well known that uric acid levels are high in the blood of newbies to the keto diet. We begin making ketones within a few days of starting "clean keto" but it may take several weeks (or months) for our bodies to figure out how to efficiently burn the ketones for fuel. In the meanwhile, ketones are piling up in our blood and must be removed by the kidneys if we are to survive. The kidneys must shift from predominately uric acid removal to primarily ketone excretion, leaving excess uric acid in the blood. The high blood uric acid normalizes (even improves) after a few months of keto. Early on, the kidneys must prioritize ketone excretion over uric acid excretion to prevent keto-acidosis, a potentially life threatening condition. In doing so, that high uric acid finds its way into our skin, specifically the sweating apparatus, causing inflammation with its attendant itching. Boosting ketone production with coconut oil & MCT oil exacerbates the problem as more kidney resources are reserved for ketone excretion causing higher & higher blood uric acid, which is being diverted to our backup excretion, sweat glands & ducts. Adding carbs or insulin stops ketosis but that may not be the only way. Eventually, we should "fat adapt" & stop the dominoes from falling but that can take weeks or months of intense itching. Eliminating exogenous sources of ketones, like coconut & MCT oil should help. Allopurinol, used to lower uric acid in gout, may help but requires a prescription and medical supervision. Allowing blood glucose to rise enough to slow down ketone production without stopping it (~70 mg/dL), should allow the kidneys to resume their primary job of removing uric acid from the blood stream, preventing the excess uric acid from entering the sweating apparatus. Symptomatic treatment of "keto rash" is no different from "heat rash", keep cool while lowering the excess ketones without killing ketosis. Producing more ketones than our body can burn is the problem. Having super abundant ketones without the ability to burn them is not beneficial. Thank you for reading this long explanation
I've suffered with gout over 10 years... I went full carnivore/keto & all my gout subsided.. No keto rash either.. So this hypothesis makes no real sense.. But I will say I quickly turned to some citrus as a natural mouth refreshment along with salt & water for hydration.. So
@@Dan0rioN Not everyone gets the rash. Everyone who does keto has elevated blood uric acid in the beginning which subsides and actually improves later, when the body is fully fat adapted. The kidneys prioritize ketone removal over uric acid to prevent death. Excess blood uric acid does get diverted to sweat glands. Dialysis patients smell like urine before dialysis. These are well known facts observable by anyone. Connect the dots. Why some people with >blood uric acid get gout & others don't is unknown. Ditto for the rash. There may be other ameliorating factors. There are NO high level studies, as usual in the dietary world.
Hhmmmm🤔 while fasting, eczema. Carnivore, no eczema. I thought my fat was expelling trace amounts of food I shouldn't have eaten in to blood stream as if I was eating it at that time. Thanks doc.
My wife Vivian is losing a lot of hair. We have been on keto for two years. Off sometimes holidays etc ! But more keto than sad diet. We hear minerals. So fat is better?
Anyone know how to continue something with keto like results? I have the rash and it’s only been two weeks but I am going insane. Introduce more fat or start slow.. If I am to introduce more fats, where does that leave my macro’s? If I’m to start slow.. then what can and can’t I have with what?
I’m the opposite. Light tummy rash when I eat dairy and gluten and it goes away when I eat only steak and veggies/salads. Obviously caused by dairy in my case. Though my rash never itches and you can’t see any red.
Small suggestion: You should put your M.D. and PhD suffix on your channel more prominently. There are a lot of non-physicians on UA-cam wearing scrubs and white coats and calling themselves "Dr".
This makes sense... I have a very annoying, constant itch and faint rash on my face (jaw line both sides, along my hair line, both eyelids and eyebrows), throat, chest, and back of hands. Daily use of oral allergy med, benadryl topical creme, vit e oil, and antibiotic oitment seems to be the only way to tolerate this. Very uncomfortable. And annoying. But hey... 27lbs down and off all the nasty Rx stuff.
I had never heard of keto rash before listening to this video. I’ve been eating keto for months and tracking macros ( before discovering Dr Cywes). About 70% fat, 20% protein, 10% carbs. I developed an intense burning itch on my right bicep about a month ago with no change in my diet so it’s probably not a keto rash. It’s still bothering me. I had the first Shingrex vaccine on Aug 3 in my right arm. The itching burning started approximately 2 weeks later. I keep wondering if it’s a mild shingles reaction to the shot? Has anyone else experienced this? Hope it goes away soon! Cortisone cream does seem to help. I love Dr Cywes’s explanations about body function and nutrition. Extremely interesting and thought provoking .
I had hives on keto...1st time ever with hives. It happened 7 months into the eating plan, and the only thing that was my friend was Allegra pills lol. Took a year break off the keto method...maintained the weight, but just started it up again. I felt better and once the craving went away, it was easy. A $$$ saver too!
I’ve been low carb healthy eating (no sugar, no sweeteners, no processed food or sweet drinks) with intermittent fasting (not long ones) for years. Wasn’t losing weight so went much more strict, I aim for 80% fat, 20% protein. Doing well, after 3 weeks feeling good and lost 10lbs big increase in exercise. Got keto rash 😠 I’ve taken a long time doing this so I’m not convinced this is entirely correct? Or at least going into it slowly will stop it.
Anyone have any advice for me? I have a severe case of keto rash everywhere. He talks about prevention here but not cure. I’ve tried everything, started eating bananas and apples now so hopefully my body will fix up. I have tried every antihistamine and steroid cream.
I have such a hard time moderating any carbs! :(( So the only way for me to go carnivore was cut all carbs cold turkey. Now Im itching like theres no tomorrow on the day 16! :((((((( HELPPPP
keto rash is creatine depletion induced methylation insufficiency, then your histamine level go through the roof (methylation is responsible for dealing with histamine) , keto diet depletes creatine big time !
On point!! I can attest to that! As I noticed supplementing with creatine can remedy my Keto rash significantly! Usually the rash happens in the days that I lower my fat intake and up my protein, exactly as Dr. Cywes said. So I up my fat by eating more butter and eggs and the rash goes away completely and I stop taking creatine..
@@meowgum8499 Who said it ended? :/ I still have rashes from time to time because I think my body is not really fat adapted yet. However once the rash starts I immediately supplement with creatine and it immediately halts! You should know that I do dirty keto and I am not 100% committed to it ..
I am relieved to find out what this red itchy rash is on each side of my neck. It showed up a few weeks ago when I began a keto diet on January 1. I don't scratch it but it doesn't seem to be going away. Now I am hopeful that the rash will go away as my body adapts to this new way of eating. I am moving from keto into carnivore with the hope the rash will go away soon. Thank you so much for this video.
Look up this cream called "Piel Sana" they sell it at any hispanic store in the drug section. Please do yourself a favor and buy the cream. It saved me from this disgusting occurrence.
I think fat has been a taboo word ever since Ancel Keys. People are so afraid to use the "F-word", they say "Protein" instead. I see this on product labels ("30 grams of protein!) and menus ("choose your protein, beef, chicken, or tuna").
This may be true on some level, however my story is different and I'd like some help. I've been keto over a year. I went carnivore 3 months ago. About 2 to 3 weeks in was when the itching began. Nothing noticeable just intense itching from breast to hips front and side only. I decided to go more ketovore a month ago until after the holidays. So as you see, I didn't rush into keto and that's not my case. How do I get rid of it? I've tried my husband's zyrtec and nothing.
Loving the keto lifestyle am omnicarnivore now, but one thing I can't seem to figure out is why am I struggling with keeping warm, when before I was the guy wearing shorts in 6" of snow.
So, I jumped in the deep end and am covered in horrible itchy rash. Now what? I’m not fat phobic, I try for 90/10 fat/protein. Where do I go from here?
how to deal with a plesure itself of eating carbs. I'm trying to be carnivor but I end up eating carnivor and time to time a peace of cake just for the pleasure... just because " I want to" and then I'm angry that I'm so weak..... :(
Please I have sever itching on the back ,I have abi g round gall stone ,not operated on,watched it forming for years .We are six ,all of us have gall stones,three operated on and three not.Five of us medical doctors,four of these five are consultants.I am 45 Kim,my height 145 cm..I love intermittent fasting ,so much energy at 78, better than in my twenties.Why itching? Is it my liver? Is it I increase my proteins ,not covered with fat? Is it my probiotics ,made t home ? Is the bile crystals delt with in my skin immune system? Can skin deal with oxalates,Uris acid,and bile salt? No pain in my right hypochondriac region or liver area.Feel well except this new itching.I am cleaning,organising my house,is it some dust can cause this? Or cleaning compounds like chlorine? Please help,while I am doing my research.Thanks in advance , very grateful.
Hello Dr. Cywes, I am Jan, 21, from the Netherlands. I have had a major depression since I was 13/14 and now I noticed that it probably has something to do with what I eat. I am already skipping breakfast and usually lunch and thus fasting a whole lot. However when I tried going fully ketogenetic eating, the keto rash appeared. I figured, just like you said that I need to take it slow. Would you agree that cutting out grains and sugar would be a good first step or do you have other suggestions? You suggested in a video taking away cruciferous vegetables as well but I tried this and started getting the rash and itching again. I like your way of storytelling by the way. Greetings, Jan
You have a way of speaking that automatically commands attention. I love listening to your talks. I have learned so much already from these talks. Please continue to enlighten us!
**If you have the rash**: Please try eating celery (approx 200 grams a day) and drink diluted fresh lemon juice (ca. 2 tablespoons in a glass of water, 4 times a day).
It has worked incredibly well for me (within 24 hours!), and I have tried almost everything until now without success, including; Bile salts, digestive enzymes, electrolytes, frequent showers, cold showers, dandelion root extract, nigella sativa, selsun blue, different vitamins and minerals, omega 3, drinking more water, avoiding high histamine foods, etc.
Mine started today.went all in ,no sugar,no carbs and intermittent fasting. Thank you for your advice
@@yvonnecolletthow did you cure it?
Omg 😮, I wish I had known this back in January 2019 when I started Keto and dove right in. I got Keto rash so bad it was like being covered in poison ivy rash. Itched so bad I thought I would go crazy. Yes, it was that bad! I looked everywhere for info. Found nothing except it was probably my imagination 😢
Finally found a few Keto people who suffered from Keto rash too. Mine only lasted a week. I was advised to use Selsun Blue dandruff shampoo and that worked to ease the itch. Thank you so much Dr. Cywes for this info. This will help others to not suffer like I did.
Was selsun Blue the only thing you used?
My body is on fire...I have used topical creams...nothing has helped. I can't sleep...it's affecting my focus at my job. Please let me know what else helped. Thank you
Mjn MLB Yes, I put it all over my itchy places with a wash cloth and kinda rubbed it in. I looked like a blue berry 😂. Then I let it sit for few minutes and rinsed. Make sure you get the original one with the anti itch medicine in it. This was the only thing that worked for me.
@@madambutterfly5343 thank you
Many more people need to come here for great info!
This information never fails to be personal for my path. I needed to hear that my body and skin are trying to keep living. PRICELESS!
Every time I have tried to do the keto diet I end up with a keto rash on the back of my neck and in between my breasts. This last time I was able to suffer through it and it finally went away after four months. It’s nice to finally have an explanation of how this happened! So many people out there saying it’s a vitamin deficiency, I took so many supplements and nothing ever helped. My body just had to get adapted. I dove into the deep end too fast! Thank you doctor for this explanation.
The vitamins inside of most supplements are synthetic and not bioavailable.
@Dan M7 might be stupid to you but various blood tests from people show otherwise. Synthetic B12 might temporarily cure the deficienciy but the vitamin isn't used the same way B12 is. Curing B12 deficiency isn't the same as optimizing B12 levels. Nutritional yeast would be better for b12. Synthetic Vitamin C tends to give u only 1 of 3 parts of vitamin C other than the supplement being linked to kidney stones. Link a study demonstrating synthetic folic acid preventing birth detects any better than natural folic acid. Vitamin K2 in itself can he used for bone disorders, synthetic K2 research is actually very limited. Know your facts before bringing pseudo-intellectual based arguments. "There is absolutely KK difference between natural and synthetic" are u that ignorant that u can't tell the chemical makeup differences.? Also calcium bicarbonate put you at risk for a high calcium in the blood unless paired with copper. Natural calcium doesn't do that. "Honestly don't understand why people like yourself say wrong things" I honestly don't understand why people like you think that just because you view something wrong doesn't mean it is. Also you linked no research to your hypothesis which means it can be taken with a grain of salt. "Like why? What's the point"? Im glad you think you are woke but you have a lot of research to catch up on. you're the same person who probably thinks you can eat whatever you want as long as you are taking your vitamins 😂
Tandem Bike I have the rash in the same spots and waiting patiently for it to go away. Did you treat it with any creams?
Marion Nikoloudaki, 👋🏻 Hello. I tried cortisone cream for itch relief but it didn’t work. I used bentonite clay mixed with a little water and used it as a mask for my neck. They say it can help pull toxins from the skin. The bentonite clay was the only thing that provided any itch relief, but it was not the cure, it just helped me through the waiting period.
Tandem Bike Thank you!!!
I’ve learned in German nutrition classes, that keto rash is being caused by a high amount of ketone acids inside your blood, so if you sweat it’s acidic and it causes skin harm. Speaking from my experience it goes away after two weeks, you just need to shower a lot more
Thank you for your information. You’re right! I had keto rash recently. Check my urine and it is too acidic.
Have any tips on how to lower that acidity outside of eating carbs? I've had mine for 2 months and a half now. :(
Showering makes it so much worse for me
I think you are right about the acidity. My skin definitely felt different and was also warmer than usual. Sweating made everything worse. Unfortunately for me it didn't go away after 2 weeks and I was showering twice a day.
It went away on its own after 4 months.
Baby exema cream had colloidal oatmeal in it. It works wonders on the rash. You can get it at dollar general. Also, coconut oil works very well.
Hi Robert - Finally I foud someone that explain to me what I had 4 times, you. All the doctors I tryed had no idea what was going on in my body in the first year of my "ketogenic diet". God bless you Dr. for your work on youtube. You are really making a huge difference in this world. My gratitude to you.
I wanted to affirm what Dr. Cywes is saying, but adding speculation what causes the rash.
I went from eating a mostly vegetarian, low fat, 6 small meals/day + healthy snacks (apples, nuts, etc.) before going full keto. After a few days/week later, I had developed hiccups from eating a high fat diet my body wasn't accustomed to (bacon, HWC, butter, etc). But I was determined to follow keto to the letter. I cut out all carbs and ate 20G total carb in the form of greens. My breath began to be filled with heavy acetone odor every time I exercised, or even doing housework. When the intense ketone breath started (about 2 weeks into keto), the rash started. I exercise regularly and the rash appeared in the areas where I sweat more profusely (armpit, back, under breasts and groin area). The rash was like having poison ivy on top of a bad sunburn - painful as well as itchy. I tried everything (creams, supplements, etc.) but nothing worked (epsom salt baths after exercise did bring some relief).
I am TOFI and my waistline measured 35" well-developed "muffin top" even I am only 5'5". I do know that an MRI revealed that I had spots on my liver that were detected during a heart scan. I am guessing I had some stage of NAFLD.
So when I went whole-hog keto, My body went into ketosis rather quickly (in 3 days). When I started exercising more (walking every day) I'm guessing that the toxins were excreting from my liver and that by sweating, I developed an allergic reaction from my own toxic sweat. I did find that eating a handful of carrots each meal brought the intensity of itch down a couple of notches and made it at least tolerable. I had that rash for 2 months and in another 2 months it went away. Guess what else went away? My belly fat (swollen liver). I lost 6" off my waist without doing a single sit-up or crunch! When I finally stopped smelling the excessive ketones on my breath, the rash finally disappeared. My diet stayed keto during the rash phase and I did allow myself up to 50g carbs, only in the form of healthy vegetables. Once the rash disappeared, I went back down to 20g carbs (I don't count them anymore because I know what to eat). I've lost 25lbs, another inch off my waist, my Fibromyalgia is gone (which was the biggest motivator to stay in keto even though that rash was pure misery).
So I agree with Dr. Cywes that I should've gradually implemented keto. I did eat plenty of fat from the start though, so this is why I think the rash comes from a toxic liver trying to heal itself instead of from lack of fat (although that could be a factor, too). I also have heard that this rash is more common among people of Asian descent, which I am.
I know the rash is utter misery, but once your body adjusts and your liver heals, the itching will go away.
"The toxic liver trying to heal itself" This!!! 👍🙂
It’s interesting you mentioned it’s related Asians, which I am too. My assumption is it’s more likely happened to the people without much fat starting with. Most Asians are slender than average.
My another assumption is it could be our body is allergic to acetone released from the state of ketosis, which is toxic.
Is your rash completely gone?
@@meiliu1020 Yes, it stopped completely after about 3 months. But it does return sparsely in certain areas of my body when I sweat too much for too long. It also goes away faster after it recurs - in a few days now instead of months. I don't get the discoloration from the rash anymore either. I think your ketone-allergy skin sensitivity hypothesis might be correct. I still get incredibly strong ketone breath whenever I engage in prolonged, strenuous exercise. I'm currently looking into food allergies like strawberries or nuts that might be the cause. I've been fat adapted about 1.5 years and since adopting a more Carnivore diet, it has helped me to discover foods that have caused me terrible inflammation. My belly fat, gas and bloating are gone and I feel decades younger! It was worth going through that period of rash to get where I'm at today.
@@cmorrison5466 thank you for the detailed and quick response! Great to hear!
I don’t think keto rash is related to food allegy. I used to eat berries, nuts and many other things, I’ve never had this keto rash although I had eczema occasionally. But as soon as I went to carnivore diet and I didn’t eat any vegetable then I got keto rash. It’s definitely associated fat or carbs. I just need to be patient. You’re right. It’s worth it !
@@meiliu1020 It could be that typical Asian diet has more oxalates. Tea, coffee, dark leafy greens (spinach especially), soy, nuts and citrus fruits for example. Perhaps that is why an ex-vegetarian would also get a bad keto rash. I have been doing carnivore for some months, and the keto rash has appeared again (when I first tried keto, I always started sooner at 1,5 weeks or so). I have been drinking coffee still though, and I think my rash is getting slightly worse when I'm trying to wean off of it (not sure if related, but I think I read something about having some oxalates hinders oxalates from dumping). Probably being a carnivore, I was just in a slight ketosis, so it didn't return as fast as previously, so the deepness of ketosis is most likely a factor as well.
Interesting. I have the keto rash and I'm not on the keto diet. I'm fasting. No food. I think it has more to do with being in the state of ketosis than what you are or are not eating. I lean more towards acetate reacting with folks with sensitive skin or toxins leaving the body and again, irritating skin....usually brought up by sweating, always in my case. I can be in ketosis, not sweat, and have no issue....as soon as I sweat and something comes out of my body and irritates my skin, boom rash. It amazes me that Doctors can't figure this out.
I'm exact same as you on all!
@@Angelica-pu3dqSame for me. 3rd day fasting
@@AMP_Chronicles so sorry you're dealing with this, too! Have you tried Activated charcoal?
Every time I fast for longer periods, it stimulates autophagy. Then I get keto rash. I think it's the toxins and heavy metals being dumped into the blood stream which were stored in the fat. Then causing an allergic reaction.
And boy is it unbearable at times.
So mentally, emotionally and physically challenging.
same here
I LOVE keto and fasting, but every time I tried it I would get a terrible rash to the point where I could not sleep or live it was terrible. I tried creams, bile salts, etc. Nothing worked.
I just recently found out on Tik Tok that pickle juice helps. This time around I tried pickle juice right when I noticed the rash. IT WENT AWAY THE NEXT DAY!!!
But I had to drink like a gulp or two of pickle juice like every 4 hours or else the rash would start to come back.
Pickle juice hahaha
@@blancalanca7161 Vlasic
Phenom video! Such great info. I did get keto rash & kidney stones both, about a year into my lifestyle. I had no idea why, I started taking bile salts & eating more carbs and they resolved. I threw out the ox bile and started adding beef suet to my diet. I didn't realize that I was probably not getting enough fat.I've been doing this for almost 3 years. I bet it's why I would still get the carb cravings sometimes too.
Sally K. Norton says that keto rash really is an oxalate rash. And I totally believe she is right! Im on the carnivore diet and experience oxalate dumping periods, where I get terrible itching and rashes!
How do you treat your rash?? I am suffering a severe case now
I'm not familiar with all of this but have been carnivore for almost 4 months and just got this rash out of the blue 🥴
@@Juanagohome same
Great video and advice. I have been on the carnivore diet for over 4 weeks now and have been suffering severely with keto rash. Like most, I jumped straight into it and my protein intake was much higher then my fat intake. From what I can see now, what you are saying makes a lot of sense! I wish I had seen this video when I first started. Could have saved me a lot of pain, itch and sleepless nights!
goat kefir to soak for a few minutes, scalding hot shower to the affected area when in the shower, and charcoal pills as a binder helped me tremendously so hopefully it'll help you too.
@@williamlee7782 thank you for the advice. Did you drink the goat kifir? Not sure what you mean when you say "soak for a few minutes"
@@brandonjcollins1062 topical treatment. Something about the bacteria of the kefir can help with herx reaction. It alleviated the itch for about an hour and a half.
@@williamlee7782I'm going through this rn it's aweful. How are you doing? Any improvements?
It's terrible. Started mild in June. I thought it was poision ivy until now.
You can investigate about alpha lipoic acid. It works for me.
Wow! Thank you so much! This was really helpful. I've been getting Keto Rash when I start fasting. After two days on my water fast, I started getting keto rash. I think I know what to do now to handle it. It was also very refreshing to hear a doctor say "I don't know.. but here is what I think"
They all say that cuz nobodyseems to actually know.
I had the rash for months. Almost took me out of this WOE. Finally tried topically applying ACV (apple cider vinegar) - coincidence or not - it worked.
Going to try this...thank you!
Thanks for sharing! Will give it a try as well! 🙏🙂
@@lf7065 did it help?
@@meowgum8499 it didn't help me. I kept breaking my diet with an apple and that was the only thing that helped. I get these rashes soon after I do keto after a day or two. Always applied acv not diluted, it still didn't work
Thank you, but ACV doesn't work for me...
Funny how you come here for the subject and you end up getting a load more information, teaching and inspiration! 👍💕👍
A
I get keto rash after just 3 days of water fasting. It would last for weeks with pimples all over the body and even palms. Pinples filled with liquid. After I end ketosis, the rash subsides and the skin starts drying out and peeling with red skin jnder. So, at least for me, the protein break down has nothing to do with keto rash. The reason I absolutely 100% sure it is caused by ketosis: 1. The rash come in much faster if I'm more physically active during the first day of the fast. I burn off glycogen much faster. 2. Numerous test performed on the 2nd of my fast showed that I'm in either "deep" ketosis or optimal ketosis. From the top of my head 1.7mg/dL and Ketoscan showed 14.
Over decades I've tried ketosis so many times but some of us are just not meant for it. 😔
That was my thought - it doesn’t explain fasted keto rash…
If I see you, I'll hug you brother. 👍
Nettle root acts as a Natural antihistamine for me. I have had horrible itching and it soothes it. I also take Tudca, and Mikk Thistle. But you may only need one of them!
This is so TRUE!! I got bronchitis March 19, 2019 & God delivered me from a 32 year smoking habit. When I went to the doctor & they MADE me get on a scale & I saw 155 pounds (I use to be 97-120 pounds my whole life) I knew I had to do something before quitting smoking made me gain MORE weight!
So on May 3rd I jump into the deep end of a keto diet. Taking the pop I drank EVERY day out along with the bread, cereal, pasta that I ate DAILY. Talk about traumatizing myself! In June I decide to get my IUD out that I had for 7 1/2 years. All of this done at once landed me in the hospital barely being able to walk or raise my arms & my body swelled up with edema & instead of losing weight while only eating 800-1200 calories a day my body GAINED weight! They then diagnosed me with Hashimoto's disease & told me Keto will kill me to stop that diet and add carbs! Even though I have been pre diabetic for 10 years! Of course I didn't listen to them and continued on Keto.
So here I am months later. I upped my calories to 1600-2000/day. My IBS is totally gone and my insulin resistance is under control and I'm down 18 pounds. I wish I knew to not jump in the deep end and I'm happy you're out here letting others know that! God bless you! XX
Laken Conner2 When starting Keto for the first time, it’s easy to cut out the carbs but then the difficult part is replacing them with fats so that your not reducing your calories so drastically. I think everyone that starts Keto should have a game plan as to what foods they are going to replace the carbs with and have them available because 1) they help satiate you 2) they become fuel. It took me about 2 weeks to get fat adapted, before that I would get hangry. I did Keto cold turkey, no gluten, grains, legumes and starchy vegetables and of course NO sugar other than those that are naturally in vegetables and occasional berries and half an apple. I don’t drink milk but do use cream and butter. I went from 152 in late September to my ideal weight of 130 today. I found if I don’t eat enough fat, I get muscle fatigue, which I guess is because my body is converting protein to glucose. This is a lifestyle change for me, though now and then during social situations I may eat some bad carbs. I always pay the price though. Good luck on this endeavor.
I didn't know any of this but my natural inclination was to ease into keto a year ago. It took me about a month to get into ketosis. I started with keto breakfasts, then added lunch, then went full keto. No rashes, no keto flu, no side effects other than a lot of peeing for a week or so and that can't be avoided AFAIK.
I’ve been on low carbs for a year. And I went to Carnivore a month ago because I had eczema. Luckily my eczema is gone but meanwhile my keto rash came. Compared to eczema, it’s not bad. But it’s creeping in more areas now. Some areas is getting better then other places are getting worse. It’s been almost three weeks. I think I eat plenty of fat. Could it be our body is allergic to acetone? Since acetone is toxic. Doctor Cywes, please do more research about this. I was so pro no carbs diet. But the rash is sometimes really discouraging me to keep going. But I’m still hanging there. I still believe carnivore or keto is a way yo go.
You know how to speak and present the topic at hand. You also have a commanding presence and look. Tbh I was just going to add more veggies and buy biotin salt. But I might add fruit and oatmeal just for a week or 2 and then drop it to just veggies because I already eat a lot of fat and moderate protein max 160g a day since I am 6.4 and hit the gym and mma 4-5 times a week and just got into keto about 2,5 weeks ago and I feel great apart from the rash..
This makes more sense than all the other videos I have seen about this!
I had a small mysterious rash after I had been keto/ i.f. for a few months, but it disappeared after a couple weeks. Blood pressure is now normal, weight is now normal, brain fog is also gone... if a little rash is the only problem, I'm all for it. Who knows, the rash could have been from anything. Getting rid of the carbs is a pretty simple thing in the long run.
I have had Keto rash over 3 months! Nothing helps…
I'm 9 weeks in and my rash is getting worse, clobetosol was helping at first but not anymore. @@margaretcordova3268
Thanks alot. Pertaining to gout, mainstream drs are taught that gout is from purines but Dr Berry here on you tube said he found out it was inflammation not put ones cause many of his pts that had high purine...didn't have gout at all. I've also recently learned that vegetables, nuts etc have high oxolates, doesn't bother all people but some people have a bad time with isolate dumping and should do keto slow like you said not over night. I'm moving toward carnivore because the fake sugars in keto make me crave real sugar alot and also I can't do cream cheeses or whipping cream which is in alot of recipes. Love you and your personality and your treatment of sugar addiction.
DJ L yes, oxalates cause rash, and other symptoms. Some people with high oxalates never get kidney stones. All the fat in the world will not help to eliminate oxalates.
The heavy whipping cream will cause weight gain - no matter what they tell you. It will! I never drank coffee til I started hearing healthy fats like heavy whipping cream are good for us. Over a year, I gained five pounds. Stopped drinking coffee with cream. Lost the five pounds.
A lot of advice turns out not to be helpful.
Thank you 🙏 for that explanation!
I am experiencing that now!
I’ve been doing carnivore for months beef tenderloin salon trout chicken mushrooms very little veg Two slices of homemade bread on wknd no sodas sugar eggs one meal a day mon thru Friday I take mineral vitamins I have been itching for months scars on my arms legs feet scalp chest and I take iodine but no relief
I love my keto rash it means I'm having ketones losing weight and having energy and focus
"Cold-turkey rash", prevention and (?) cause. Here we get wisdom---100% plus---from a clear spring.
Omg, I'm praying this advice will help me! I started keto a couple weeks ago - I don't have a visible rash, but develop hives once the incredible itchiness begins. It starts in different parts of my body & is so unbearable that it wakes me up even if I am able to fall asleep. So, basically - go slower & ADD FAT! Ok... I'm starting this today! Thank you Dr Cywes...I love your channel & watch your videos that pertain to keto/carnivore woe. I only have 20 lbs to lose & I'm healthy (thank God!), but I'm also doing it for long term health, considering I'm almost 60 & would like to stay healthy. Thank you again for what you do!!😊
did it help??
Did anything ever work? I know he is right about people adding protein instead of fat, but the cause I'm not sure. People think you replace the carbs with protein, but is fat. So, the meat stays the same, you just add butter or tallow etc.
Thank you for this. It seems a lot of keto influencers dont even acknowledge keto rash. I've been under 50 carbs a day for almost 2 weeks. Tried going carnivore and ended up with a lovely rash. Mostly on my face and back. I dont think its from sweating. I reintroduced up to 20 carbs a day and it has faded. I've also tried to increase my fat intake. I've been eating meat with the fat but I still struggle to get my fat intake up for some reason.
Is there any new info on the theory that keto rash can be caused by toxins released from fat cells? I am a long time (7 year) lchf/keto foodie and I am fat adapted. I have recently dropped to my lowest weight in more than 20 years as I am now eating very high fat ketovore. I am definitely accessing more of my own fat stores, ‘eating in’. I am happy as a clam, high HDL, High LDL and low trigs. But damn I think I have keto rash!
Right, I have such an unbearable keto rash rn which is spreading though my body, mostly upper. I’m going to give this a go, will report back
did it disappear
@@meowgum8499 unfortunately no, but I did some research (am a genetics graduate) and the intense itching is alleviated with a combination of daily green tea, liver tonic, good sleep and I also applied olive oil and ice packs when it was really bad. Hope that helps!
@@TheThemissthave tysm ,yes I'm taking liver care tablets n drinking green tea
This week is my 8 weeks of low carb diet...my scalp and skin started to itch in 7th weeks..didn't know about this until I checked what causes it..glad the itchiness isn't serious 😢
I'll put up with a rash for the benefits of a Cornivore lifestyle. I eliminated everything except healthy fat and protein all at the same time.
How are you now?
I was on an 85% fat keto and have continued to have the keto rash for many years. My kidneys are functioning great and I never started high protein - loved fat from the beginning.
You've had the rash for years?! How does this not get to you? I need help to get rid of it.
@@dianaaviles260 many seem to have found relief in bile salts
Have you tried a b-complex and DHA/EPA fish oil supplement? Or, maybe even riboflavin even though that should be depleted by high fat, not protein. High protein should deplete biotin.
@@MrApplewine I have discovered that my rash was actually oxalate dumping.
@@Anita-silver Did you do anything to it, or are you still suffering from the rash? I suspect that the cause is oxalate dumping as well
I only get the rash when I'm losing weight. I just happen to lose weight fastest on keto so thats when the rash is worst
I did the same dive into the deep end 3 months ago and now have the keto rash. I’ve read and researched so many possible causes, bought supplements and am now taking Bentonite Clay every morning to detox and am still itchy. Another UA-cam Dr. whom I follow and actually use his guidelines for the diet suggests possible food allergy or too much fat and to increase vegetables…..my head spins with information out there. I’m still itchy but don’t want to give up Keto. I will increase my healthy fat intake and hope this resolves soon🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 🙏🏻 Thank you Doctor. I’m new to your channel, will watch more videos.
Cheryl, did increasing fats help?
I hear ya. This is no joke
WRT supplements, I'd say benfotiamine and magnesium L-threonate have clearly been helpful in reversing the effects of diabetes, and vitamin D and vitamin K2 have also been instrumental in processing electrolytes.
Interesting take on the cause of keto rash. Megan Ramos (Dr. Jason Fung's partner at TFM) had been recommending adding low glycemic berries back into the diet for 2 weeks to deal with keto rash. Cutting back on the amount of the berries in week two.
I did that...still have horrible rash...the itching and the burn is unbearable
Not peanut m and Ms?
Adding my own experience here. When I go keto, I dive in hardcore. No time to ramp up as per video suggestion.
And at day 3 (or 4), I am in ketosis. Extremely low carb; less than the 21g/day for my body weight during induction phase. The keto rash for me always shows up behind the neck and right below my pits. Twice, it also showed up at my rear waist at center where the spine is. My experience is that once it shows up, it can take up to 4 days for it to go away and then I don't ever get it back. The longest I had been on keto is 9 weeks hardcore.
I had been doing Keto since late 2016 with incredible success and each time, I learned that once I get the rash, my body is in ketosis. Nothing I tried would melt my belly fat quite as fast even with active working out and a very mindful diet. I assume my metabolism and insulin response is compromised someway somehow.
I used pee strips and this time, used a breath meter so I can measure more data to learn more about my body. I do keto at least once a year for 2-4 weeks as maintenance and am currently in ketosis again. Figured I research the rash if anything had changed from a few years of my last research point.
As I write this, my rash lasted two days this time with is a record for me. I still have the rash but it no longer itches nor had woken me up in the middle of the night due to itching.
What is different in my process is that I included the use of goat kefir to soak the rash with a rag for a few minutes and it seemed to had done the trick in alleviating the itch. I also take scolding hot showers to aim the water stream to the affected areas....instant gratification.
I also took charcoal pills as a binder with the thinking that my body might be excreting something at a large rate from the stored body fat (acids, as per video). These are the only two changes I made to my keto process having gone though keto around a dozen times in my life and never had encountered such quick remediation of the rash.
I started taking the charcoal pills yesterday, a day after my rash got bad. Next time, I am going to experiment taking it as soon as I start doing keto. Good luck. I hope they figure out a remedy for this.
For a euphemism you could use Bovine Scat.
I tried spending money and time ,gradual application wasn't easy, yet I get that rash every time I'm on keto or close to it,even law carb gives me rash...the only solution is to go through keto without giving attention to rash but I'm afraid it would leave brown scars for good , thanks for advising ppl not to spend money though
I started keto in Feb. 2020. A month or two later, I got the keto rash, however, it never itched and I only had a few small rash spots on my torso. They were gone when summer season started.
Totally makes sense. I'll add more fat to my diet to see how it goes! Thank you so much for the info!
I love your videos Dr. Great topics. To the point. Very informative. Binge watching them all.
Thank you Dr Cywes 🙏🏻💚
What about a symptom of oxalates dumping like Sally k Norton or Susan dawson propose?
Menthol balm helps to relieve (not cure) the itch massively, as you try to figure out how to end the rash.
You are so helpful ... thanks for all you do!
I think "keto rash" is caused by the competition between ketones and uric acid for excretion by the kidneys. Newcomers (like me) are making abundant ketones long before we are "fat adapted" to burning ketones for fuel. It is well known that uric acid levels are high in the blood of newbies to the keto diet. We begin making ketones within a few days of starting "clean keto" but it may take several weeks (or months) for our bodies to figure out how to efficiently burn the ketones for fuel. In the meanwhile, ketones are piling up in our blood and must be removed by the kidneys if we are to survive. The kidneys must shift from predominately uric acid removal to primarily ketone excretion, leaving excess uric acid in the blood. The high blood uric acid normalizes (even improves) after a few months of keto. Early on, the kidneys must prioritize ketone excretion over uric acid excretion to prevent keto-acidosis, a potentially life threatening condition. In doing so, that high uric acid finds its way into our skin, specifically the sweating apparatus, causing inflammation with its attendant itching. Boosting ketone production with coconut oil & MCT oil exacerbates the problem as more kidney resources are reserved for ketone excretion causing higher & higher blood uric acid, which is being diverted to our backup excretion, sweat glands & ducts. Adding carbs or insulin stops ketosis but that may not be the only way. Eventually, we should "fat adapt" & stop the dominoes from falling but that can take weeks or months of intense itching. Eliminating exogenous sources of ketones, like coconut & MCT oil should help. Allopurinol, used to lower uric acid in gout, may help but requires a prescription and medical supervision. Allowing blood glucose to rise enough to slow down ketone production without stopping it (~70 mg/dL), should allow the kidneys to resume their primary job of removing uric acid from the blood stream, preventing the excess uric acid from entering the sweating apparatus. Symptomatic treatment of "keto rash" is no different from "heat rash", keep cool while lowering the excess ketones without killing ketosis. Producing more ketones than our body can burn is the problem. Having super abundant ketones without the ability to burn them is not beneficial. Thank you for reading this long explanation
I've suffered with gout over 10 years... I went full carnivore/keto & all my gout subsided.. No keto rash either.. So this hypothesis makes no real sense.. But I will say I quickly turned to some citrus as a natural mouth refreshment along with salt & water for hydration.. So
@@Dan0rioN Not everyone gets the rash. Everyone who does keto has elevated blood uric acid in the beginning which subsides and actually improves later, when the body is fully fat adapted. The kidneys prioritize ketone removal over uric acid to prevent death. Excess blood uric acid does get diverted to sweat glands. Dialysis patients smell like urine before dialysis. These are well known facts observable by anyone. Connect the dots. Why some people with >blood uric acid get gout & others don't is unknown. Ditto for the rash. There may be other ameliorating factors. There are NO high level studies, as usual in the dietary world.
Hhmmmm🤔 while fasting, eczema. Carnivore, no eczema.
I thought my fat was expelling trace amounts of food I shouldn't have eaten in to blood stream as if I was eating it at that time.
Thanks doc.
Thank you Dr. You elaborate this very clearly
thank you very helpful
My wife Vivian is losing a lot of hair. We have been on keto for two years.
Off sometimes holidays etc ! But more keto than sad diet. We hear minerals. So fat is better?
So what should we do then if we already have the Keto rash?
Petroleum jelly topically helped me. Maybe just not follow an extreme diet that has negative effects on the body.
Anyone know how to continue something with keto like results? I have the rash and it’s only been two weeks but I am going insane. Introduce more fat or start slow..
If I am to introduce more fats, where does that leave my macro’s? If I’m to start slow.. then what can and can’t I have with what?
What if I already launched in and developed the rash? Should I get out of keto and then ease back in?
I’m the opposite. Light tummy rash when I eat dairy and gluten and it goes away when I eat only steak and veggies/salads. Obviously caused by dairy in my case. Though my rash never itches and you can’t see any red.
Needed this video so bad! Going to increase my fat intake, hope the rash will soon go away
Did you try it? Did it help?
how much did u increase ur fat intake?
Small suggestion: You should put your M.D. and PhD suffix on your channel more prominently. There are a lot of non-physicians on UA-cam wearing scrubs and white coats and calling themselves "Dr".
This makes sense... I have a very annoying, constant itch and faint rash on my face (jaw line both sides, along my hair line, both eyelids and eyebrows), throat, chest, and back of hands. Daily use of oral allergy med, benadryl topical creme, vit e oil, and antibiotic oitment seems to be the only way to tolerate this. Very uncomfortable. And annoying. But hey... 27lbs down and off all the nasty Rx stuff.
I had never heard of keto rash before listening to this video. I’ve been eating keto for months and tracking macros ( before discovering Dr Cywes). About 70% fat, 20% protein, 10% carbs. I developed an intense burning itch on my right bicep about a month ago with no change in my diet so it’s probably not a keto rash. It’s still bothering me. I had the first Shingrex vaccine on Aug 3 in my right arm. The itching burning started approximately 2 weeks later. I keep wondering if it’s a mild shingles reaction to the shot? Has anyone else experienced this? Hope it goes away soon! Cortisone cream does seem to help.
I love Dr Cywes’s explanations about body function and nutrition. Extremely interesting and thought provoking .
The keto rash looks remarkably similar to a fungal rash. A change in the skin pigmentation plus an itchy rash. Could it be the same thing?
Biopsy have so far only found neutrophil and bacteria, not fungi
Would there be any difference of recommendations for those of prior gallbladder removal surgery ?
It's bullshit that you can't use that word. Great talk-a sensible approach to starting keto.
I had hives on keto...1st time ever with hives. It happened 7 months into the eating plan, and the only thing that was my friend was Allegra pills lol.
Took a year break off the keto method...maintained the weight, but just started it up again. I felt better and once the craving went away, it was easy.
A $$$ saver too!
I’ve been low carb healthy eating (no sugar, no sweeteners, no processed food or sweet drinks) with intermittent fasting (not long ones) for years. Wasn’t losing weight so went much more strict, I aim for 80% fat, 20% protein. Doing well, after 3 weeks feeling good and lost 10lbs big increase in exercise. Got keto rash 😠 I’ve taken a long time doing this so I’m not convinced this is entirely correct? Or at least going into it slowly will stop it.
What do you eat in a day? Just curious how you are able to consume that much fat. Butter, olive oil? What makes up the fat content of your diet?
Anyone have any advice for me? I have a severe case of keto rash everywhere. He talks about prevention here but not cure. I’ve tried everything, started eating bananas and apples now so hopefully my body will fix up. I have tried every antihistamine and steroid cream.
It may not be ketorash. May need a biopsy
I have such a hard time moderating any carbs! :(( So the only way for me to go carnivore was cut all carbs cold turkey. Now Im itching like theres no tomorrow on the day 16! :((((((( HELPPPP
keto rash is creatine depletion induced methylation insufficiency, then your histamine level go through the roof (methylation is responsible for dealing with histamine) , keto diet depletes creatine big time !
Only if you do it suddenly and it lasts for a brief while mostly. Transitioning slowly works, but thanks for your valid contribution
On point!! I can attest to that! As I noticed supplementing with creatine can remedy my Keto rash significantly! Usually the rash happens in the days that I lower my fat intake and up my protein, exactly as Dr. Cywes said. So I up my fat by eating more butter and eggs and the rash goes away completely and I stop taking creatine..
@@zain9746 how long did it take??
@@meowgum8499 Who said it ended? :/ I still have rashes from time to time because I think my body is not really fat adapted yet. However once the rash starts I immediately supplement with creatine and it immediately halts! You should know that I do dirty keto and I am not 100% committed to it ..
@@zain9746 ahh it sucks,I jus wish the rash could jus come once n then fade away
I am relieved to find out what this red itchy rash is on each side of my neck. It showed up a few weeks ago when I began a keto diet on January 1. I don't scratch it but it doesn't seem to be going away. Now I am hopeful that the rash will go away as my body adapts to this new way of eating. I am moving from keto into carnivore with the hope the rash will go away soon. Thank you so much for this video.
Look up this cream called "Piel Sana" they sell it at any hispanic store in the drug section. Please do yourself a favor and buy the cream. It saved me from this disgusting occurrence.
What are ways to treat this if you are in ketosis because of gastric bypass surgery?
What's funny is that I am carnivore and just developed this rash after almost 4 months of straight carnivore.
same for me
Thanks
I think fat has been a taboo word ever since Ancel Keys. People are so afraid to use the "F-word", they say "Protein" instead.
I see this on product labels ("30 grams of protein!) and menus ("choose your protein, beef, chicken, or tuna").
I think I have keto rash in the middle chest and upper back only but is not itchy. What should I do? Do you think is keto rash or something else?
Did any one worked with them by gradually decreasing carbs? This keto rash is nasty and i get it everytime i try to diet
Thank you!!!!
This may be true on some level, however my story is different and I'd like some help. I've been keto over a year. I went carnivore 3 months ago. About 2 to 3 weeks in was when the itching began. Nothing noticeable just intense itching from breast to hips front and side only. I decided to go more ketovore a month ago until after the holidays. So as you see, I didn't rush into keto and that's not my case. How do I get rid of it? I've tried my husband's zyrtec and nothing.
Shingles?
Thank u ,always like,like,like!
True and important to eat organs too ! Not just chicken breast 😂
Bile salts may help. Fat must be emulsified by bile salts. Leaky guy syndrome is also a problem.
Loving the keto lifestyle am omnicarnivore now, but one thing I can't seem to figure out is why am I struggling with keeping warm, when before I was the guy wearing shorts in 6" of snow.
There's no such thing as an omnicarnivore. You're just making crap up now.
So, I jumped in the deep end and am covered in horrible itchy rash. Now what? I’m not fat phobic, I try for 90/10 fat/protein. Where do I go from here?
Do you think oxalates have anything to do with keto rash
how to deal with a plesure itself of eating carbs. I'm trying to be carnivor but I end up eating carnivor and time to time a peace of cake just for the pleasure... just because " I want to" and then I'm angry that I'm so weak..... :(
Mine was caused by erythritol which are found in many keto products. Every time I cut it out the rash disappeared
Interesting. I started consuming some and I wonder if that’s why I have it now
You had me at cow excrement
Please I have sever itching on the back ,I have abi g round gall stone ,not operated on,watched it forming for years .We are six ,all of us have gall stones,three operated on and three not.Five of us medical doctors,four of these five are consultants.I am 45 Kim,my height 145 cm..I love intermittent fasting ,so much energy at 78, better than in my twenties.Why itching? Is it my liver? Is it I increase my proteins ,not covered with fat? Is it my probiotics ,made t home ? Is the bile crystals delt with in my skin immune system? Can skin deal with oxalates,Uris acid,and bile salt? No pain in my right hypochondriac region or liver area.Feel well except this new itching.I am cleaning,organising my house,is it some dust can cause this? Or cleaning compounds like chlorine? Please help,while I am doing my research.Thanks in advance , very grateful.
Dr.Berg says it's a gall bladder issue.
Hello Dr. Cywes, I am Jan, 21, from the Netherlands. I have had a major depression since I was 13/14 and now I noticed that it probably has something to do with what I eat. I am already skipping breakfast and usually lunch and thus fasting a whole lot. However when I tried going fully ketogenetic eating, the keto rash appeared. I figured, just like you said that I need to take it slow. Would you agree that cutting out grains and sugar would be a good first step or do you have other suggestions? You suggested in a video taking away cruciferous vegetables as well but I tried this and started getting the rash and itching again. I like your way of storytelling by the way.
Greetings,
Jan
Hello Doc, When I started keto and increased (healthy) fat intake I noticed a "heavy" sensation around my liver after a meal. Can you comment on this?
can coffee worsen rash?
When the hell did eating become so difficult?
Some believe Keto rashes is oxalate dumping