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Does Low Potassium Level Cause A Skin Rash On The Face?

Posted on Tue, 13 Dec 2016

Question: Hello
You popped up out of nowhere.
Can a low potassium cause a rather frightening skin rash on the face?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
a simple no...

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

low potassium cannot cause any skin disorder. No rash... I don't know where you've read about it but it can't be true.

I can't say what the cause of this rash is in your case but I can say with confidence that hypokalemia is not related to the rash. A rash that comes and goes suggests an allergic reaction but lack of any improvement with antihistamines and corticosteroids is very much against it.

Did the allergist believe that it's allergic in nature? What did he say? What does the dermatologist think? They have seen the rash and examined you and they should have an opinion.

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (27 minutes later)

Firstly, there are many articles online and pictures of a rash caused by a low potassium. The derm and allergist don't know the cause of this rash. If it were an insect it would be gone by now. If it were anything growing during a heat wave, that anything is gone but the rash is not. I can also add that the upper cheek was basically clearing up. On Monday,11/7, I walked out of a doctor's office and by the time I got to my car another new rash had developed. Now that's the kicker. Not around any grasses, plants, insects, etc. This is the rash that went away when starting a K supplement. That was the only thing different.

I suppose the patch/skin testing and/or biopsy will be the only thing now to get a diagnosis.

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
can you upload a picture?

Detailed Answer:
I will insist on the potassium issue. You won't find any credible source of medical information stating that low potassium causes a rash. I know that the internet is full of "reports" about anything but don't trust any website. If you do have links you'd like me to comment, I'll be glad to do so.

Also can you please upload a picture of the rash?

If no diagnosis fits a case with rash then biopsy may provide useful clues or the diagnosis itself. I'm not sure about the skin tests though. You haven't still told me what the allergist and dermatologist thought about your rash.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (29 hours later)

Allergist and derm thought nothing. Derm gave me the prednisone and Ceftin neither of which made a dent. Incredible itching, incredible pain. Two outbreaks in 4 days, each looking different than the other. It did look like an insect attack. As you mentioned and all have commented on is the fact that prednisone did nothing. Derm would not add or change antibiotic. Have no clue why he chose the antibiotic he did - Ceftin. I will try to send you a pic.

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
no picture still

Detailed Answer:
I can't see any picture yet. Have you sent any?

You can send it directly at my email address if you want...
YYYY@YYYY

I suppose the antibiotic treatment was initiated to exclude the possibility of an infectious process. Sometimes the cause is not straightforward, as you've already seen! No response with corticosteroids is indeed strange.

I'm sure the next doctor will ask for a biopsy.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar