Has anyone developed half-penny size, extremely itchy rashes from ALA?

Hi @rocr, I’m not aware that Alpha lipoic acid causes skin conditions. It’s an antioxidant that may help reduce the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage that can be caused by diabetes.

From the photo you posted, they almost look like flea bites. I’ve had similar looking bites from some fleas that must have been on our patio. They itch intensely! We no longer have a doggo, but lots of wild bunnies on the lawn and fleas! Do you have pets?

Hi Lori,

Thank you so much for taking the time to check my condition. I have never had pets. I change my bedsheets every week. These rashes started with ALA, which had a brief mention somewhere I cannot remember: "do not take ALA if you develop rashes" but I cannot find the pictures of ALA rashes or my rashes online.

These don’t seem like typical rashes from a medication. They tend to be more symmetrical on both sides of the body and generalized. Some can be blotchy like hives. The photo you posted really look like flea bites, especially since they’re primarily on your legs. You don’t have to have pets to get flea bites and it would most likely not be from your bedding. Has nothing to do with cleanliness. Fleas are opportunistic! 😉

Have you been sitting outside with feet on the ground such as patio or deck? That’s how I got flea bites and they looked very much like your photos…and itch like crazy.

Hi Lori,

Thanks again for caring to help. No, I have not been sitting outside or been exposed to any fleas.

I have an appointment with my primary to see what is going on.

Hi @rocr, I hope you find an answer! I swear, itching is worse than pain sometimes! Will you let me know what you find out, please?

Your rashes must be incredibly uncomfortable and distressing. Just to put in my experience with ALA:
Have been taking for over 12 yrs or so now, upon recommendation from an incredible rheumatologist who understood my not wanting a prescribed medicine (my neurologist wanted me to take gabapentin) for the neuropathic situation in my feet and hands. The ALA "kicked in" and the issues with neuropathy in feet (especially the toes) and in hands dissipated. Not totally gone, but made life so much more tolerable. My bloodwork did not show diabetes or other factor(s) that would explain the "why" of the neuropathy. During all these years, no rashes attributable to ALA. Same for my husband, who had been taken ALA for a few years before I commenced including it daily.
I hope you obtain an answer to your mystery itching/rash.

I have also experienced neuropathic itch……which can be severe and drive you crazy. When it’s bad I have purpura red spots on my arms, legs. I have found that many times it is caused by a new cream, pill that I’ve tried and when stopping them the severe itching lessens. Right now I don’t take anything but my usual vitamin supplements. However, when the itching starts I have to get right up and put body lotion on those areas and wait a few minutes…..it then starts to subside.

Dalia,

Thank you for sharing your experience. All the evidence points to ALA working. Please let me know 1) how much you take, 2) on an empty stomach or with food, and 3) the brand.

There is a possibility that my brand is adulterated or not up to par.

Could you share what ALA supplement you take? I can get no clear recommendations even from my neurologist at a major medical center.

That is what I found. A year ago I tried an “R” type and started to get swelling in my lips so I discontinued it. I also would like to know these details. None of my doctors are specific about these details.