Low carb diet leads to mystery skin blisters?
Yeechang Lee
quite faithfully. (For the record, I'm still in induction, as I
plateaued after losing a grand total of 5-6 pounds, but then at 6'1"
and 200 pounds I'm not very far from where I should be anyway.)
Beginning the second week of September my back began breaking out in
large, symmetrical clusters of red bumps that turned into blisters
that contain a fair amount of pus. At first I ignored them figuring
they'd go away. However, they haven't. They've steadily worsened the
past couple of weeks, and are now spreading to the area below my
armpits. A few have appeared on my chest and neck. They all itch like
crazy, especially in the initial stages.
I went to my general physician today, who upon seeing my back
immediately had me see the head of the dermatology group. The
dermatologist was also mystified (enough to summon two of his
colleagues for consultation), but has ruled out hives, insect bites
(due to the blisters' symmetrical nature), and anything contagious. He
figures it's one of a family of conditions with immunological causes
("IPA" was mentioned during the dermatologists' discussions while
examining me, I believe), perhaps globules of some kind. We'll know
more once results of the biopsy he took comes back later this week and
through next week.
Meanwhile, I of course can't help but to speculate on possible
causes. I work in an office environment and have not traveled. The
only skin problems I've had before are acne and, last year, a
diagnosis of tinea versicolor that has long since been completely
treated with Nizoral shampoo. I live alone and no one else has used my
bedsheets.
The only recent change in my lifestyle has been the Atkins. It's fair
to say bacon (especially precooked) is a large portion of my diet
right now, along with pepperoni slices, mozzerella string cheese, pork
rinds, and almonds. For lunch I have a steak and a salad.
I know ordinary bacon is frowned upon by Atkins devotees due to the
nitrate content, but haven't seen any mention of nitrates causing the
kinds of symptoms I'm seeing. Is there something else in my diet that
could be causing what I am experiencing?
--
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Frenchy
"Yeechang Lee" <yl...@pobox.com> wrote in message news:slrnbo3q8...@pobox.com...
Did they rule out Shingles?
Are you eating more cheese than usual? That can have a dermatological effect on some
people?
It surely isn't common for Atkin's, but as you are in Induction, it may be your bodies way
of getting rid of the poisons?
Frenchy
Yeechang Lee
> Did they rule out Shingles?
Yes; I neglected to mention that.
> Are you eating more cheese than usual? That can have a
> dermatological effect on some people?
I dont' think I'm eating more cheese than usual; before Atkins I'd
often eat an entire medium pie from Little Caesar's ($5!) for a meal.
> It surely isn't common for Atkin's, but as you are in Induction, it
> may be your bodies way of getting rid of the poisons?
If that's the case, I'd rather keep the poisons! Seriously, as stated
in my original post I never had very much weight to lose int he first
place, and in all metrics (mid-60s heartbeat, 110/70 blood pressure, a
HDL slightly higher than optimal) my body was in fine shape. I've
never smoked, drank alcohol, or taken illicit drugs.
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Digital Art Resources
The Queen of Cans and Jars
> Sure sounds like chicken pox!
i find it hard to believe that even a marginally competent GP wouldn't
recognize chicken pox.
Yeechang Lee
> > Sure sounds like chicken pox!
>
> i find it hard to believe that even a marginally competent GP wouldn't
> recognize chicken pox.
Not to mention three dermatologists as well. Believe me, folks, even
considering the dangers of adult chickenpox, I'd *much* prefer having
that to what I have now; at least with chickenpox the recover process
is straightforward.
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Jarkat2002
>considering the dangers of adult chickenpox, I'd *much* prefer having
>that to what I have now; at least with chickenpox the recover process
>is straightforward.
>
>--
>Read my Deep Thoughts @
Were you tested for yeast?
~Kat
"Mom, sometimes you are a pain in my neck"
~DD 4 years old.
Robyn Rosenthal
>The Queen of Cans and Jars <dhr...@ohatzhapu.bet> wrote:
>> > Sure sounds like chicken pox!
>>
>> i find it hard to believe that even a marginally competent GP wouldn't
>> recognize chicken pox.
>
>Not to mention three dermatologists as well. Believe me, folks, even
>considering the dangers of adult chickenpox, I'd *much* prefer having
>that to what I have now; at least with chickenpox the recover process
>is straightforward.
>
>--
You never know -- my BF had chicken pox as an adult & it took several weeks &
multiple trips back to the dr to get a dx.
SOmetimes they just don't look for something as unexpected as an adult who has
never had the "normal" childhood diseases.
Robyn
Digital Art Resources
"The Queen of Cans and Jars" <dhr...@ohatzhapu.bet> wrote in message
news:1g2f7vo.1t0yynq1mt82rsN%dhr...@ohatzhapu.bet...
Digital Art Resources
The Queen of Cans and Jars
> hehe you would be surprised! Not saying it is but sure sounds classic.
the OP has seen three dermatologists. even if the general practitioner
had somehow failed to diagnose chicken pox, the specialists would have
been pretty likely to catch it.
tarasco
Yeechang Lee <yl...@pobox.com> wrote in message news:<slrnbo3q8...@pobox.com>...
> The only recent change in my lifestyle has been the Atkins. It's fair
> to say bacon (especially precooked) is a large portion of my diet
> right now, along with pepperoni slices, mozzerella string cheese, pork
> rinds, and almonds. For lunch I have a steak and a salad.
Hi Lee,
Try eliminating the foods that you WERE NOT eating before you started
the Atkins Diet.
Stay off them for a week and see how your boils fare.
I suspect that it may be the cured foods that are either new to your
diet or to much of in your diet.
> I know ordinary bacon is frowned upon by Atkins devotees due to the
> nitrate content, but haven't seen any mention of nitrates causing the
> kinds of symptoms I'm seeing. Is there something else in my diet that
> could be causing what I am experiencing?
Try just the steak and salad for a week or just fresh non-processed
meats and see what happens.
Let us know what happens....
Regards
Tarasco
Ellis
Yeechang Lee wrote:
>
> On 24 August I began an Atkins diet and since have been keeping it
> quite faithfully.
--cut--
> Beginning the second week of September my back began breaking out in
> large, symmetrical clusters of red bumps that turned into blisters
> that contain a fair amount of pus. At first I ignored them figuring
> they'd go away. However, they haven't. They've steadily worsened the
> past couple of weeks, and are now spreading to the area below my
> armpits. A few have appeared on my chest and neck. They all itch like
> crazy, especially in the initial stages.
--cut--
The
> only skin problems I've had before are acne and, last year, a
> diagnosis of tinea versicolor that has long since been completely
> treated with Nizoral shampoo.
>
> The only recent change in my lifestyle has been the Atkins. It's fair
> to say bacon (especially precooked) is a large portion of my diet
> right now, along with pepperoni slices, mozzerella string cheese, pork
> rinds, and almonds. For lunch I have a steak and a salad.
It sounds like a form of acne, which you said you had before.
Perhaps triggered by all the spicy food.
Or it could be a form of food intolerance, to spicy food.
Try eating fresh meat, instead of all the spicy preserved
meats loaded with additives.
Or/and go back on your former diet, to see if the problem
is indeed diet related.
Check out:
http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/lifestyle/health_problems/my_experience_of_acne/_review/399295/
My Experience of Acne
Bloated Elvis
newsgroup archives:
> On 24 August I began an Atkins diet and since have been keeping it
> quite faithfully. (For the record, I'm still in induction, as I
> plateaued after losing a grand total of 5-6 pounds, but then at 6'1"
> and 200 pounds I'm not very far from where I should be anyway.)
>
> Beginning the second week of September my back began breaking out in
> large, symmetrical clusters of red bumps that turned into blisters
> that contain a fair amount of pus. At first I ignored them figuring
> they'd go away. However, they haven't. They've steadily worsened the
> past couple of weeks, and are now spreading to the area below my
> armpits. A few have appeared on my chest and neck. They all itch like
> crazy, especially in the initial stages.
>
Yeechang,
I have a similar skin condition. I believe the problem is caused by a
digestive disorder, aggravated by excessive consumption of red meat.
Try eliminating red meat from your diet completely for two or three
weeks and see if it makes a difference. Eat fish and fowl only. No pork,
no beef whatsoever. Also, do not mix citrus fruits or juices with
starchy foods like rice, cereal or potatoes. Also eliminate sweets. If
you follow these specific guidelines for two or three weeks, you will
likely see a difference. I have controlled my skin condition with this
formula for over 20 years. If it works for you, let me know and I'll
tell you where this regiment originated.
BE
zonk (@) myrealbox (dot) com
sTeve
wrote:
Your description sounds like one of the bullous skin diseases, such as
pemphigus or pemphigoid. Only a biopsy can diagnose for sure.
Steve Shapiro
Eugene, OR
Chet Hayes
> Recently, Yeechang Lee <yl...@pobox.com> created this masterpiece for the
> newsgroup archives:
>
> > On 24 August I began an Atkins diet and since have been keeping it
> > quite faithfully. (For the record, I'm still in induction, as I
> > plateaued after losing a grand total of 5-6 pounds, but then at 6'1"
> > and 200 pounds I'm not very far from where I should be anyway.)
> >
> > Beginning the second week of September my back began breaking out in
> > large, symmetrical clusters of red bumps that turned into blisters
> > that contain a fair amount of pus. At first I ignored them figuring
> > they'd go away. However, they haven't. They've steadily worsened the
> > past couple of weeks, and are now spreading to the area below my
> > armpits. A few have appeared on my chest and neck. They all itch like
> > crazy, especially in the initial stages.
> >
>
>
> Yeechang,
>
> I have a similar skin condition. I believe the problem is caused by a
> digestive disorder, aggravated by excessive consumption of red meat.
> Try eliminating red meat from your diet completely for two or three
> weeks and see if it makes a difference. Eat fish and fowl only. No pork,
> no beef whatsoever. Also, do not mix citrus fruits or juices with
> starchy foods like rice, cereal or potatoes. Also eliminate sweets.
The OP is only a few weeks into Atkins, so most of this makes no
sense, as there should not be any cereal, juices, rice etc.
If
> you follow these specific guidelines for two or three weeks, you will
> likely see a difference. I have controlled my skin condition with this
> formula for over 20 years. If it works for you, let me know and I'll
> tell you where this regiment originated.
>
> BE
> zonk (@) myrealbox (dot) com
If I were having this skin problem, and it didn't clear up in a few
days to a week, I'd go back to my previous diet and see what happens.
If it clear up, you can restart Atkins again and see what happens. It
may be completely unrelated, but that's the surest way to fine out.
It's definetly not usual.
Jeri
>> the
>> newsgroup archives:
>>
>>> On 24 August I began an Atkins diet and since have been keeping it
>>> quite faithfully. (For the record, I'm still in induction, as I
>>> plateaued after losing a grand total of 5-6 pounds, but then at 6'1"
>>> and 200 pounds I'm not very far from where I should be anyway.)
>>>
>>> Beginning the second week of September my back began breaking out in
>>> large, symmetrical clusters of red bumps that turned into blisters
>>> that contain a fair amount of pus. At first I ignored them figuring
>>> they'd go away. However, they haven't. They've steadily worsened the
>>> past couple of weeks, and are now spreading to the area below my
>>> armpits. A few have appeared on my chest and neck. They all itch
>>> like
>>> crazy, especially in the initial stages.
I have no idea where this post started so I'll crosspost my answer.
Have you seen a doctor to rule out impetigo? Your description appears to fit
the symptoms to a T. It's usually seen in children but adults can get it.
It's contagious and requires antibiotics to get rid of it. If left untreated
it could lead to very serious complications.
It's already been 2 months, do yourself a favor and see a doctor before you
spend more time trying to diagnose and treat yourself.
Yeruchem & Fraida Cohen
Fraida
"Jeri" <starg...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
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Dee Randall
"The Queen of Cans and Jars" <dhr...@ohatzhapu.bet> wrote in message
news:1g2f7vo.1t0yynq1mt82rsN%dhr...@ohatzhapu.bet...
Look up Pityriasis rosacea
Hope this helps.
Stray Mp3 Poster
news:10mbicd...@corp.supernews.com:
or PSORIASIS. Check out www.psoriasis.org
Diane Ball
the GP rule out non-contagious?
Diane
"Stray Mp3 Poster" <stray_mp...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:Xns957BE213D1...@216.196.97.142...
Patricia Daniel
area........ doesn't normally spread to whole body.
More likely then not by going on the atkins diet, you have unwittingly
increased amounts of something that causes dermatitis for you. Go to an
allergist who is familiar with intolerances.
"Diane Ball" <dba...@satx.rr.com> wrote in message
news:FRn9d.4176$%e7....@fe1.texas.rr.com...
Betty
picture of this I have seen on the net but can't locate it.
Mastocytosis is a rare (there are 300+ of us on one chat line and many
more that are not on it)autoimune disease. It can be systemic or
involve only the skin. There are several types of skin manifestation
including blisters. It is related to allergies in that it is triggered
by different items in different people and it invlives the release of
histamine among other mediators.
This works somewhat like an allergy but is not IGE mediated. Among the
triggers that people often encounter is red meat and additives both of
which you state you increased your consumption of. The additives being
present in the bacon. Other things that "trigger" mastocytosis include
heat or cold, excersize, and stress, and many foods and chemicals.
Not nearly all doctors are familiar with mastocytosis as they are told
it is rare when they are in training and so they assume it won't
happen to them/their practise. The skin form of this is more easily
recognized than the systemic type.
There are some excellent information sources on this on line and I
have some additional medical articles sent to me by maasto friends as
well.
I don't know where you live but there are research doctors with
knowledge of this disease in the USA at NIH and also in Bethesda,
Maryland. Here in Canada it is still much harder to get a diagnosis
although more dermatologists have experience with this. I am aware of
at least a few cases of masto. in each of B.C., Alberta, and Ontario.
Ontario actually has a support group for masto sufferers.
The picture of this I saw looked like a bid weepy chicken poc. There
is also a form that looks like big dark freckles.
I would be glad to share info with anyone interested. Betty
"Patricia Daniel" <pda...@dodo.com.au> wrote in message news:<4167...@news.comindico.com.au>...