Itching

[rosepd]

I am 79 years had a kidney transplant 18 years ago and now on Hemo dialysis. My problem is instense itchying every day. What can I do about it. I can’t take Benadryl. It’s driving me crazy.

[RoadRunner44]

Hello, I am 75 years of age and have kidney disease. I have the same itchyness as you and find it dreadful. I was prescribed Dermol 500 which is specifically for itchy skin. It does help but I also take a tablet, Loratadine when it gets really bad. If you find anything that helps you please let us know.

[rosepd in reply to RoadRunner44]

I’m using Sarna cream and taking Claritin to help with the itching.

[RoadRunner44 in reply to rosepd]

Hi, Claritin tablets are the same as my Loratadine ones. They seem to be helping. I'll get some of the Sarna lotion to try when I next go shopping. Let me know how you get on.

I'm also going to find out about the phosphorous levels. Speak soon, Chrys

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

To both of you,

Has anyone tested your phosphorous levels. When that is elevated, it can cause itchiness and cremes will often not help. But there are phosphorous binders that you might be able to take to lowered the level. See what the doctor thinks.

[RoadRunner44 in reply to Bassetmommer]

No, this is new to me. Thanks I'll ask about it.

[Marvin8]

Double and triple check that your itching is not weather related. I have intense itching, but it's only during the driest winter days. I try to address it by moisturizing immediately after showering. I also make sure that I don't rub too crazily when drying off with the towel.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Bassetmommer is right on!. I knew several people that were on dialysis and had the same issues with intense itching issues. Their phosphorus levels were high. Their doctors' prescribed binders that helped to lower their levels of phosphorus and the itching got better.

Good luck!

[JEanes55 in reply to WYOAnne]

That is so true! My husband has that problem so he watches what has a high amount of phrophorus.

[RhenDutchess123]

If I itch it is usually on my feet...I keep a cold bag of water...(3 parts water...1 part Rubbing alcohol ) in my freezer and lay it across my feet for a few minutes...takes care of it...the alcohol mixed with water makes it slushy so it doesnt freeze hard so you can mould it...if you are having total body itch try a cool shower...use soaps without perfume or scents

[Kelming]

Hi Rosepd- I am 87 with ESKD.Itching Was a problem for me but several years ago I found tha Vicks vapo rub is quite effective for reducing itching. I rub it on smoothly every morning,and sometimes a little before bed at night.when sitting in a chair don't lean your back against the chair.when lying in or on a bed ly on your side. Resist the urge to scratch, just firmly stroke if you have to deal with a particular itch spot. I also now wear smooth bamboo singlets. Late afternoon early evening is worst. Hope this helps,

Kind regards

mel

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hello there rodeos. I looked it up online and found some suggestions for the relief of itching caused by hemodialysis. These were the choices of creams that may help: Capsaicin, Lanolin, and Witch Hazel. They did include Benadryl, but you mentioned that you can’t take that. Hope this helps you. Please keep us posted dear. Wishing you all the best. God bless. 😊👍🙏

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Just want say, my previous post reads “rodeos” because my phone is always making corrections on things that it doesn’t interpret properly. It’s so frustrating. I’m so sorry about that. It was supposed to read, “rosepd”. My apologies to you Rosepd. 🙄 Lol!

[Avenger]

I had the intense itching. The kidneys can’t filter out all the toxins so they come through the skin and cause itching. Washing area often can help some. I use cortisone cream and a back scratcher for what I can’t reach.

[Aoki]

Thanks for asking this question Rosepd. My kidneys are in poor shape and I too have a big itching problem. I find Loratidine helps but one can only take one a day so will be trying out the suggestions here. Best wishes and good luck.