Many people don’t realize that kidney disease can affect the skin, but for those living with it, itchy skin and rashes are common and sometimes severe problems.
These skin issues are not just annoying—they can seriously affect a person’s comfort, sleep, mood, and quality of life.
The kidneys do many important jobs in the body. They clean the blood, remove extra fluid, and help keep the right balance of minerals like calcium and phosphorus. But when the kidneys don’t work properly, waste and fluid build up inside the body. This build-up can cause many problems, including irritation and dryness of the skin.
One of the most common skin problems for people with chronic kidney disease, especially in later stages or for those on dialysis, is itching. Doctors call this problem “pruritus.”
Itching happens when waste and extra minerals that the kidneys normally remove, like phosphorus, stay in the blood. These substances can make the skin dry, itchy, and uncomfortable.
The balance between calcium and phosphorus is also important. When this balance is off, the skin can become dry, which makes the itching even worse. Research shows that many people who are on dialysis experience this type of itching regularly. In some cases, the itch is so bad it keeps people awake at night and affects their mood during the day.
Treating itchy skin in kidney disease is not always simple. Lotions and creams can help temporarily, but they don’t solve the main problem. One important step is to control phosphorus levels in the blood.
This can be done through a special diet, medicines called phosphate binders, and regular dialysis sessions. These steps help reduce waste in the body, which can ease the itching.
Scientists are also studying new treatments that aim directly at the cause of the itch. Some of this research focuses on the immune system. Normally, the kidneys remove certain chemicals that cause inflammation.
But when the kidneys fail, these chemicals stay in the body. They can affect nerves in the skin and lead to itching. New drugs that block these chemicals are being tested and may offer better relief in the future.
Good daily skin care is also very helpful. People with kidney disease should avoid using harsh soaps or taking hot showers, as these can dry the skin even more.
Instead, they should use mild soap, take warm—not hot—showers, and apply gentle moisturizers every day. Scratching the skin can lead to cuts and infections, so it’s best to keep nails short and try not to scratch when the skin itches.
Itchy skin may seem like a small problem compared to other effects of kidney disease, but it can have a big impact on a person’s daily life. It can lead to poor sleep, depression, and social withdrawal. That’s why it’s important to take it seriously.
By learning more about how kidney disease affects the skin and working closely with doctors, patients can find ways to manage the symptoms. As research continues, there is hope that new treatments will bring better relief in the future.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about drug that prevents kidney failure in 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 common painkillers may harm heart, kidneys and more.
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