Need Help for extreme itching with CKD

[Kacicircle9]

What can help the extreme itching all over my body in CKD stage 3?

[Hidden]

Have you had recent blood labs? How was your phosphorus levels? Excessive phosphorus can cause itching which is a symptom of CKD.There are other possibilities but I'd begin there.

[Kacicircle9 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. Blood test from 12-10-20 shows Alk Phoshporus in normal range at 81 (range 42-121 u/l).

Before getting the CKD stage 3 diagnosis, I had bouts of extreme itching every now and then but these have increased. The creams and lotions prescribed by dermatologist haven't really helped. I have started drinking more water to help flush toxins but was wondering if anyone had found or been prescribed a skin creme product which really helped with the itching. The dermatologist prescribed triamcinolone acetonide 0.1 topical cream, but it doesn't help much.

[Hidden in reply to Kacicircle9]

Alkaline Phosphatase deals more directly with your liver issues. Phosphorus deals with kidney issues and unfortunately is not yet required to be listed on product labels. Some things have it listed but most do not. When you have CKD, phosphorus should be tested and will be listed along with protein, potassium, sodium, and calcium if you inform the doctor when they order the labs. Unless your testing physician suspects something else, your nephrologist should test your phosphorus levels when doing your regular blood labs.

[Kacicircle9 in reply to Hidden]

You are very knowledgeable. Thank you for sharing this me. I will be seeing a nephrologist for the first time Jan 28th because my caregiver (not the doctor) insisted I get some help for the listing she saw on one of my hospital lab reports that read I had stage 3 CKD. I didn't know I had any level of kidney disease. My care giver looked this up, noticed that I have been taking a slew of medicines in response to a growing list of several physical symptoms plus mental confusion, and that these are all symptoms associated with kidney disease. She thinks this exhaustive list of drugs has stressed my kidneys and worsened this condition. She called the doctor angry that he had known about my lowering GRF (between 23 and 30 in October 2020) and all the symptoms I have been having and did not inform me nor have me see a kidney doctor. My regular doctor had been making the decision that my lab readouts were not BAD ENOUGH. My caregiver insisted that I be referred to a doctor who knows about kidney disease. Thank you again.

[Hidden in reply to Kacicircle9]

In addition to finding a more caring and professional physician who will be open and honest with you, provide you with all your options, and accept your course of the treatment decision. Before your nephrology appointment, I'd recommend going to davita.com and sign up for a free, 90-minute Kidney Smart class. You'll get a lot of information and resources and know what you are dealing with. When you meet with the nephrologist ask for a referral to see a renal dietitian. Bring hard copies of all your labs and then you and the RD can develop a kidney-friendly meal plan to help you slow the progression.

Best of luck

[Kacicircle9 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

I experienced that too and decreased when phosphorus brought under control. Some itching caused by another medical condition (dermatological) , which is now under control too, thankfully.

[Kacicircle9 in reply to orangecity41]

Thank you I will ask if my level of phosphorous can be checked. Glad you are feeling better.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI, I have read what was written to you and I agree with them. But all over itching can be a sign of other things other than CKD and high phosphorus . Do you have diabetes? Dry skin and other skin issues are common with diabetes as well. You may be having a reaction to something you are eating even if you have eaten the food before. Because the kidneys are not clearing you body as well, something now may be more toxic for you. Take a look at your consumption and talk with a dietician. Even the soaps you use on your body and laundry can effect you now.

To answer the question what can help. If you cannot resolve the cause, then there are topicals to help. But this is something your doctor needs to help you with.

etopical.com/itchy-skin-all...

[Kacicircle9 in reply to Bassetmommer]

I appreciate your sharing this information. My blood tests have shown no indication of diabetes, and I have been to the dermatologist several times. She has given me prescriptions for cremes to place on my skin, and changed the soap I use but these have not really helped. However it was the dermatologist who suggested there might be something my blood which would be revealing and sent me to have blood tests done 2 weeks ago. The CBC showed I am low on red blood cells. The GFR showed me at 30.

I then had my caregiver go get copies of lab work done when I was in the hospital Oct 11-16th 2020 and I saw the GFR report at that time showed I was at 23 and my creatinine was higher than normal at that time. And the hospital doctor wrote on the report that I had CKD stage 3. This is how I learned about my condition and most all of the symptoms listed for stage 3 kidney disease are ones I have been experiencing -- including the extreme urge to urinate frequently especially at night, keeping me from sleeping well at night; the edema in my limbs, the itching, and the mental fogginess. Some of these I have been experiencing these for months, some for years now. The neurologist has had me on drugs for short term memory loss for over a year now.

Since support people on this site have mentioned high phosphorus might be a cause of the itching, I spoke with my doctor's nurse who agreed and said they will have me get my blood tested for phosphorus levels. My caregiver has spoken to a dietitian who is sending meal suggestions for renal support also, my caregiver found a source for renal-friendly meals with lower phosphorus levels at momsmeals.com

I will be receiving these on Tuesday Dec 22nd. If eating these foods help this will be a major plus - taking care of nutrition needs and the itching.

AND finally, my doctor set up an appointment for me with a nephrologist Jan 28 , 2021.

Thank you for caring and for sharing, Bassetmommer and Everyone who has responded. I will keep you posted. HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND HAPPIER NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador in reply to Kacicircle9]

Sounds like you have a good plan in place. Let us know how thins turn out. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and have a blessed New Year.

[Kacicircle9 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you so much for your support. I wish you the very best Christmas and a wonderful brand new year. I will let everyone know how things progress.

😊