Many people may not realize that kidney disease can cause skin problems, but for those living with the condition, itchy skin and rashes are common and bothersome.
This article explains why skin issues happen in kidney disease and how they can be managed.
The kidneys play an important role in keeping our bodies healthy. They clean the blood, remove extra water, and balance minerals like calcium and phosphorus. When the kidneys are not working properly, waste and extra minerals build up in the body. This can lead to many symptoms, including skin irritation.
One of the most common complaints among people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those in later stages or on dialysis, is itchy skin. This condition is known as pruritus. But why does it happen?
The main reason is the buildup of waste in the blood. Normally, the kidneys remove this waste, but when they don’t work well, these harmful substances stay in the body and can make the skin itchy.
Dry skin is also a problem. When the balance of calcium and phosphorus is off, the skin can become dry and more likely to itch. The dryness and waste buildup together can make the itching even worse.
Studies have found that many people on dialysis experience this itching. It can range from a mild annoyance to something severe that affects daily life. Itching can make it hard to sleep, cause stress, and even lead to depression. For some people, this discomfort becomes one of the hardest parts of living with kidney disease.
Treating the itching can be difficult. Creams and moisturizers may help a little, but they don’t fix the cause. A better way to reduce the itching is to manage phosphorus levels.
This can be done through a healthy diet, taking phosphorus binder pills, and getting the right amount of dialysis. New medicines are also being developed that focus on the special type of itching that comes with kidney disease, and they are showing promise.
Researchers are also looking at how the immune system may play a part. They believe that in kidney disease, the body collects substances that cause inflammation, which may trigger itching by irritating the nerves in the skin. This idea has led to new treatments that try to block these substances.
Taking care of the skin is also very important. People with kidney disease should use mild soaps, avoid hot showers, apply moisturizing creams every day, and try not to scratch the skin to prevent more damage.
In conclusion, itchy skin is a common but often overlooked symptom of kidney disease. It can seriously affect a person’s comfort and quality of life.
By learning more about why it happens and how to treat it, doctors and patients can work together to find better ways to manage the problem. New research and treatments offer hope for people dealing with this unpleasant symptom.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about how to protect your kidneys from diabetes, and drinking coffee could help reduce risk of kidney injury.
For more information about kidney health, please see recent studies about foods that may prevent recurrence of kidney stones, and eating nuts linked to lower risk of chronic kidney disease and death.
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