stage 4 itch

[asamie333]

Dear CKDers,

Hope you are all doing well

I had my neph send me to dermatology, only for dermatology to send me back, saying this is kidney related. So I am back at square one. Painfully itchy and post-itch burning. Any idea what this is?

GFr = 22

[Hidden]

We don't diagnose here. A high level of phosphorus with CKD can cause itching. Do you know what your phosphorus level is? This is something your nephrologist should understand and it's possible he does and that's why he referred you to the dermatologist, but he may have failed to explain this clearly to that physician.

[asamie333 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. not looking for diagnosis.

Just for research and brainstorming....

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI,

Did the dermatologist look at your hand? That is an interesting rash or bumps. I am surprised they did not look into a allergy or something more skin related. Build up of phosphorous and urea in the blood can cause itching. Not sure about those bumps though. I am close to your stage and I have Psoriasis, totally unrelated. But I do not have all over itching. Truthfully, I would try another dermatologist after I checked my P levels and brought them down. If that cures the bumps, then there you are.

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hi asamie333. Wow. That looks painful, and I’m sorry you’re going through this. High phosphorus can definitely cause itching, but that pretty much would affect you in any area of the body, not just the hands. Is it possible that you’ve recently changed hand soaps, or dish detergents?

Have you, by chance, had your hands exposed to bleach or any other cleansers that contain bleach? Bleach can cause severe drying of the skin and itching with the dryness. Or have you been using gloves since this COVID crisis that you may be allergic to? Some people have allergies to latex and possibly some other materials that these gloves are made from.

Until your medical care team can figure this out properly, I would try first applying some hydrogen peroxide to your hands, then apply some highly moisturizing hand lotion or Polysporin (it contains many healing agents), and see if this will help. It’s probably best to do this at night before bed. That way it has a chance to be absorbed into your skin for a few hours to do it’s job.

Speak to your nephrologist about your phosphorus levels. She / he should be able to advise you better on this. This type of thing can be both a frustrating and worrisome issue for those of us with CKD.

I do hope this will clear up soon for you. As I say, your nephrologist, or even your family physician should be able to address this better. I wish you all my best, dear. Please keep us posted on how you come along. Do take good care of yourself, and God bless. 🙏😊👍

[RhenDutchess123]

Looks like Hand Eczema. .Aveeno Oatmeal Lotion helps sooth mine...try your best not to scratch it...makes it far worse

[HealthBuddyMelissa]

Rashes are tricky. They can mean any number of things. How long have you had it? Does it come and go, or is it constantly there? It doesn't look red to me, just a lot of little bumps. I would think possibly allergic reaction to something new, or possibly a medication you are taking. Is it just on one hand, or other parts of the body as well?

[HealthBuddyMelissa]

Are they blisters, and do they pop? What is your profession? Are you disinfecting with harsh cleaners?