Where Do You Itch with Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease has several symptoms, with some more troublesome than others. Feeling tired or weaker than usual is very common, but in the early stages of kidney disease, you may have no symptoms at all. Tiredness and feeling weak are distressing to people, but one of the most irritating symptoms is the itch. Why does it happen, and what can you do about it?

Side Effects of Kidney Disease

There are many side effects that a person with kidney disease has to learn to recognize and live with on a day-to-day basis. Some of the most common are:

• Loss of appetite
• Swollen ankles, hands, or feet due to the accumulation of excess fluid
• Shortness of breath
• Blood in the urine
• Nausea
• Difficulty sleeping
• Itching
• Erectile dysfunction

Why Does Kidney Disease Cause Itching?

Itchy skin in kidney disease is sometimes referred to as uremic pruritus or chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated pruritus. A build-up of urea in the blood causes the itch, which occurs when both kidneys stop working. It is a problem in a third of people on dialysis and is more common in hemodialysis than in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

Where Do You Itch With Kidney Disease?

Itching with kidney disease can be generalized, or it can occur in specific parts of the body. Common areas for this type of itching include the head, arms, back, and abdomen. It also tends to be worse at night, which can disturb your sleep. 

The itching is lower in intensity just after dialysis as the blood urea levels will be lower. However, it increases in intensity two days after dialysis. Sometimes a person’s skin will appear normal while others have scratch marks from trying to stop the itching. 

Scratching can lead to broken skin, which increases the risk of infection. As a person with kidney disease, you will be aware that you are vulnerable to infection, so you need to be careful when scratching that itch.

What You Can Do to Relieve Itching in Kidney Disease

Apart from asking why kidney disease causes itching, the priority is finding relief for the problem. If you experience itching and have kidney disease, it is important to tell your doctor or the team in the dialysis unit. It may mean you have too much urea in your blood, and the team may need to review your medication and dialysis regime. Here are a few things you can do to try to reduce itching:

• Wear loose clothing made with natural fibers.
• Avoid perfumes, aftershaves, and use unscented soaps.
• Pat instead of rub skin after a shower.
• Avoid arid environments.

Sometimes you may need help from your doctor to manage the symptoms. They can prescribe an antihistamine or medication such as Gabapentin which reduces itching by interacting with nerve function. Both these types of drugs can make you sleepy, so you need to be monitored carefully. A dermatologist is another source of help and can advise on treatment options, such as using creams.

Remember to seek advice for any symptoms that develop with your kidney disease from the medical team treating you.