Itching all over

[Aimiam1]

I am new to the forum, but I have a question.

Does anyone else experience itching, with CKD? I am on the cusp of stage 4. I read that the later stage you are in, the itching is worse. I see my provider in a little over a month. I am worried this itching could be a sign that my kidneys are worsening.

Amy

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

Just sharing my experience. I was diagnosed at 3b and put on a CKD diet. I had skin itching but it decreased with the help of my diet.

[Denise-80]

Hi - For me the itchy skin was caused by high phosphorus. I’m sorry you are going through this, as it can be miserable. Let your doctor know because they can help with diet.

[abigrand in reply to Denise-80]

My Dr. has me take an antacid half-way through a meal. It works pretty well, if it doesn't 1/2 a gabapentin works.

[ntsgls11]

I'm Stage 3b and several months ago I had several itchiness all over. My dr told me it was not usual until dialysis (which i am determined to avoid.) He prescribed Hydroxyzine - a prescription antihistamine. It stopped the itching in one day. I took as needed for 2 weeks. No problem since.

[userotc in reply to ntsgls11]

Im not sure if you're aware that most/all antihistamines e.g. hydroxyzine, offer medical warnings with conditions including kidney disease (leaflet below) so caution is needed in using or recommending. Certainly it could/should be considered if there is any subsequent effect on kidney markers after use - but hopefully youve checked yours and all is OK.

My mum's recent use of Benadryl (only 1 or 2 tablets) is on the list of potential causes of a sharp drop in function following progressive improvements and I received good response(s) on here re others' bad experiences with it.

docetp.mpa.se/LMF/Hydroxyzi...

[drmind]

Check your lab results. I usually get bouts of itching if I overdo foods with phosphorus, potassium, and/or sodium with phosphorus being the main culprit. Being rehydrated also doesnt help. If I correct my diet, the itching goes away. As others suggested, diet may be a heavy contributor to this condition.

In addition, as it was noted before me be careful with the antihistamines as these have been reported to have a negative effect on kidney function.

Best to you and hope all continues to go well.

[Beachgirl32]

Yep usually phosphorus is when I got to end of stage 4 it was bad nephrologist put me on a binder he told me to just take tuns after every meal and that actually help

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to Beachgirl32]

Binders and/or tums used as binders should be taken WITH meals. I take a bite of food, then eat my tums and finish my meal. If used after meal is finished the result/effect will be nothing. Just an FYI

[Hello67]

I too was on the cusp of stage 4 but have improved GFR through diet. I used to have really bad itching at night. And even now if I eat lightly salted potato chips in the evening I have some itching. I know I shouldn’t eat them but I still struggle with this. Good luck & God bless 🙏🏻

[RoxanneKidney]

Eat more fiber

[Jumbo1]

You may have high phosphate/phosphorus levels.

[Frankie24]

Could be your phosphorus levels are to high. Check with your doctor. This could be relieved by lowering the phosphorus in your diet. This is something that is common in ESRD and patient’s are given binders for the same.

[abigrand]

I have just been diagnosed with stage 3a CKD and one of the symptoms that took me to the Dr. was itching.

[Avenger]

Absolutely, deep strong itching. Then when I got my stage 4 diagnosis, I changed my dietAnd it is not a problem, lately. Diet fruit, health food store.