The Keto diet is a good option for losing colossal weight, but it has side effects such as keto rash, which makes everyone wonder, can you use apple cider vinegar for keto rash?
Before we start with the cures and treatments, we will have to know entirely about keto rash, its stages, and to spot it, and then we will move the cures, which will definitely be from natural to remedial.
This read is going to be very helpful for you if you are a ketogenic dieter or going to follow this lifestyle.
So, without further ado, let’s start:
What is Keto Rash?
Keto rash is actually a protein deficiency rash, known by many names such as keto hives, keto itch, or the scientific name “Prurigo Pigmentosa.”
When we often spot any issue on our dermis, the first thought that comes to mind is “hygiene problem.” For your information: Prurigo Pigmentosa is not a hygiene issue, and keto isn’t the only cause behind it.
Besides, it can be confusing to detect because the appearance resembles any skin impulsiveness. But why is it caused, and how can you know if you are basically suffering from keto rash?
Let’s find out:
Prurigo Pigmentosa Causes
Scientifically, much more is needed to be done to find the actual causes behind this issue and why experts recommend apple cider vinegar for keto rash.
In reality, experts found no scientific evidence regarding the relation between Prurigo Pigmentosa. Some researchers, however, prescribed some triggers of keto hives.
However, some things that can be correlated with the keto rash are:
1. Wrong Expectations form Keto
Not every diet is for everyone. We, humans, differ on a demographical basis, and our bodies are different too. It has been seen that women are more prone to develop keto rash than men.
Also, women belonging to the Asian community are at a higher risk than others, as most cases of keto rash have been seen in Japanese women, and the idea of using apple cider vinegar for keto rash is also coming from there.
According to some research studies, women tend to experiment more with their diet and, to get faster results, misplay with keto macros. As a result, they come in contact with more side effects.
2. Deficiency in Dietary Protein
One more cause that has been seen in people developing Prurigo Pigmentosa is protein deficiency. This can be explained using an example.
The Keto diet is mainly based on increasing the fat intake. What most people do is fall into the delusion of fat intake and increase it up to 80 %.
So, their intake gets low when most of their diet comes from fats and many proteins that are otherwise necessary. As a result, a protein deficiency is caused, which appears in the form of rash fallouts.
3. High Levels of Circulating Ketones
Although not supported by any scientific evidence or study, it has also been seen that a combination of protein deficiency AND high levels of circulating ketones can cause Prurigo Pigmentosa.
It is being said because, in most people, a keto rash appears after they spend an extended fasting period.
Also, when protein intake keeps diminishing and ketones form in excessive amounts, the condition of inflammation is worsened.
Another thing supporting this statement is that increased intake of specific proteins has been seen to cure keto hives.
Now, how to spot a keto rash? How does it look, and how can you know if the condition you are suffering from is actually Prurigo Pigmentosa and not any other skin inflammation?
Pictures of Keto Rash
We can identify keto hives by looking at the keto rash pictures at different stages. Yes! There are three stages of keto rash.
Here check pictures of keto rash for identification:
Stage 1 of Keto Rash
It is also known as the early stage of keto rash.
When you are on a keto diet and fasting for a long time, you might notice light pink, raised skin lesions around your neck, back, and shoulders (it can be on other parts of bodies too).
Here is how it will look:
Stage 2 of Keto Rash
The second stage is when the keto rash fully develops on your skin, and you will notice red bumps and spots all over your back, shoulders, neck, etc. The condition is also known as papules.
- The hives might contain puss or liquid.
- The hives might itch.
- They will have a web-like appearance.
Here is how it will look in the second stage:
Stage 3 – Healing
The third and last stage of keto rash is healing when you use apple cider vinegar for keto rash. Some rashes are never appropriately healed, and left spots on the back, darker brown, look like melasma.
Some people say that Prurigo Pigmentosa never heals completely ever. However, the spots remain, but itching or puss goes away.
Check Pictures of keto rash; here is how it will look at the last stage.
Prurigo Pigmentosa Natural Treatments
Some more treatments recommended by experts along with using apple cider vinegar for keto rash are:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar for Keto Rash
Looking at home remedies and natural treatments, we find AVC as the best treatment for keto rash. What does vinegar do for keto rash?
Basically, it provides antimicrobial activity diminishing the irritation and issues associated with keto hives.
Along with this, it acidifies the skin and improves its texture by diminishing the color of rashes. It will also help balance pH levels.
Even dermatologists recommend nothing with apple cider vinegar for keto rash and when suffering from other derma conditions.
When using apple cider vinegar for keto rash, soaking cotton in the AVC and then applying it to the rash will help you faster healing.
2. Increasing Protein Intake
As keto rash occurs due to a lack of protein intake, you will have to alter your diet and add more proteins to it. Do not depend on supplements; instead, eat protein-rich foods.
3. Consuming More Carbs
The second thing you should do is increase the carb intake. No, we are not recommending you to increase carb intake that will kick you out of the ketosis but simply increase it a bit from before.
All you have to do is balance the fat content by increasing proteins and carbs. Decrease your fat intake, which is 80% or more.
4. Diet Plan Amendments
Consult a good dietician in this regard so they can design your diet plan according to your physical requirements.
Do not depend on the diet plans you simply gathered from your friend as you thought it might work for you too. Such mistakes increase the complications like keto rash on a keto diet.
5. Changing Clothes more often
Try to change your clothes twice a day. Why is that so? According to experts, puss and itching are triggered by germs and bacteria. Also, the number of ketones in your sweat will cause issues.
Therefore, change your clothes which are new and not sweaty. Try to iron them properly before wearing them so that any microbes on them burn down.
6. AVC Soaked Baths
You know about using apple cider vinegar for keto rash by cotton-dipping methods. But you can mix some AVC in water before bathing.
Soak it in the tub and lay in the water for some time so that it reaches your entire back. This idea will significantly help you if you live alone.
7. Bile Salt Supplements
Bile salts like Cholic, Deoxycholic, Chenodeoxycholic, and Lithocholic acid are consumed when curing or dealing with keto rash.
However, we don’t recommend you consume any of these without taking proper consultation from an expert. We don’t want you to worsen the situation.
8. Skin Creams
Skin creams such as anti-rash and ointments can also be used to ease the itching or when dealing with puss and water in the keto rash.
9. Essential Oils
Essential oils like lavender and rosemary have anti-bacterial properties. You can put them on your body when dealing with itching or smelly puss from blisters popping on your back, neck, or shoulders.
10. Antibiotics
You can consult a dermatologist for antibiotics to cure dermis issues. Keto rash can have all the symptoms of a skin condition.
This is why antibiotics and natural remedies like apple cider vinegar for keto rash are recommended in this regard.
11. Increase Hygiene
All with this, you are recommended to work on your hygiene. Try to stay clean; even if you do, stay cleaner than before.
Try bathing more, changing clothes more often, and not re-wearing old clothes with proper washing and ironing.
Bottom Line
Here our discussion on keto hives, Prurigo Pigmentosa, and using apple cider vinegar for keto rash comes to an end.
We have discussed all the necessary details. For more information, keep visiting Look Broad Keto Guides.
