Itchy skin

[Dewi]

I get itchy skin from time to time... stage 3 ckd. My cousin also has ckd and diabetes and gets a particularly itchy scalp. Does anyone else get this or know how it manifests? Looking for some understanding and how it could be improved. Thankyou

[Bassetmommer]

HI Dewi,

Itchy skin can be from the toxins building up in your system and depositing on your skin. But that is usually a symptom for a later stage of renal disease. Make sure your phosphorous levels are low. You can find that out on your labs. If it not something you have been tested for, ask you doctor to test for it.

Most often, itchy skin is due to things like use of soap that is drying your skin or just dry skin due to climate. It is also common with folks with diabetes. Pruritis is the medical term for itchy skin and it can be a result of high blood sugar.

You should speak with your doctor to see what the underlying cause is. Make sure you are drinking sufficient water to also hydrate the skin. Try using lotions that ease the itch but do not add other medications such as a Benadryl lotion. Check to see if there is an allergen in your environment if the lotion does not solve the issue.

My husband has this issue and it is due to his diabetes. He literally scratched himself raw. He saw the dermatologist who diagnosed a skin condition called GA, Disseminated granuloma annulare, and he has to use a prescription medication for his arms. It is the only place it is. Contributors were the taking daily showers without using a moisturizer after and not drinking enough water.

[HealthBuddyMelissa in reply to Bassetmommer]

I agree it could be your Phosphorus levels or even dehydration. I dehydrate very easily especially in the hot humid Summer months. My skin is drier and itchier in Summer than in Winter.

[Uckle in reply to Bassetmommer]

I have Grovers disease -an itchy skin on back and chest after trying a number of creams I found a cream called Emuaid Max gives me reief. Expensive $58 for 2 oz OTC on Amazon prescription not required.

[My_Kidneys]

Here are a few websites to help you better understand CKD and itching.

healthunlocked.com/nkf-ckd/...

[purple-1974]

I suffer with itchy skin, especially on my torso and legs. I drink plenty of water and this seems to help reduce the urge to scratch. I also get one big itchy hive on my thigh if I have a toxic overload. This normally happens if on the rare occasion I eat more foods than I am allowed( Chinese takeaway). I comes and then disappears once I’ve again drunk some water.

[madonbrew]

Really badly! My legs are the worst, but my face gets itchy and my scalp. I’m at stage 3b too.

[Mgt8]

When I had itchy legs because of my PKD/CKD, I was told by my nurse that it was due to the toxins building up in my body. She recommended drinking more water. (This was before I was on dialysis.)

It was worse at night so I got in the habit of having a bath before bedtime, giving my legs a good rub with an abrasive sponge, patting them dry and using a really plain moisturizer. This resulted in a much better night's sleep.....

Hope this helps..

Mgt