Ok been on PD for 7 months or so and have had all kinds of side affects. Any help n regards to the itching? I’m gonna go crazy with it.
Itching : Ok been on PD for 7 months or so... - Kidney Dialysis
Itching
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Fishstix
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Oh Fixhstix, I recognize your situation. My hubby was on PD for a little under a year and had terrible itching too. Most people will say its due to high levels of phosphorus, so you'll want to control that as much as you can by taking binders regularly - my hubby stayed on top of that all the time. It wasn't enough to stop the itching so I would often spray his back and shoulders with Dermoplast. And when he was about to go crazy, he would take child size Zyrtec - his doctor wouldn't allow him to take the adult size version. This often worked! (Interestingly, hubby has since received a kidney transplant and all the itching and also the restless legs have magically disappeared. So it was definitely dialysis related in his case.) I sincerely hope some of these things help you. Hang in there!
Benedryl worked for me when I found I was itching like crazy from the tape they used on the site so it may work for your reason for itching to.
I have terrible itching on my back and haven't even started dialysis yet. What are binders? Benedryl does not work for me either.
Hi bettyblair123, The binders are Phosphate binders. They are drugs, either tablets or powders that you take with your meals to stop the Phosphates in your food from being absorbed into your body. You basically poop it out! I have been taking these for the last 2 years whilst on haemodialysis and it's really helped me keep my Phosphate levels under control. I no longer suffer the dreadful itching. Good luck and best wishes, Julie
Many thanks. Is this something that we have to get a prescription for or can we get over the counter?
Hi. I get mine on prescription. There are different strengths. My consultant prescribed it for me.
I am in the UK. I don't know if it's the same elsewhere. It would be worth having a chat with your nephrologist or renal dietician.Best wishes
Julie
A common cause of itching is a high level of phosphorus and PTH level in the body. Low Vitamin D level can also impact PTH levels. Do check your levels.
Allergies too can cause itching. If you notice itching occurs at the beginning of dialysis treatments, you could have an allergy to the blood tubing, dialyzer, the type of heparin being used or other elements associated with the treatment. Do discuss with your doctor.
Antihistamines, such as Benadryl, are used to treat allergies and have helped to relieve itching. Creams that contain capsaicin, witch hazel, lanolin or camphor, and vitamin E are a few that may also relieve itching. Some people find relief from sun light
Dry skin is another cause for itching. Kidney failure may make changes in the sweat glands and oil glands, which causes the skin to dry out. Dry skin can also cause itching.
To prevent or treat dry skin, avoid long, hot showers or baths. Also, look for soaps that have natural, pure ingredients without harsh perfumes and chemicals. A moisturizing soap for sensitive skin can be a good choice. There are also bath products made with oatmeal created for dry skin.
Apply a moisturizing, high-water content gel, lotion, cream or oil to the body right after bathing, while the skin is still damp. (Like coconut based or Shea butter) Avoid creams or lotions with alcohol.
In addition, watching high phos food in your diet, supplements such as Chitosan can help reduce phosphorus. ofcourse this you have to run by your neph before taking. The above advise that definitely helped my son was given in an FB group called Natural Kidney Journey. They also recommend a plant based Whole Foods diet for better outcomes. Do check out the group.
Hope this helps🙏
Just a tip here but I learned not to use the Neutrogena after bath gel because if they do not clean the site well before taking blood for your lab work it will contain high levels of magnesium since the gel contains nuts.
i have itching problems.i have very dry skin.i have certain spots that constantly itch.i use mens body wash with moisturizers.it does help a little and my phosphorus is usually under control.it is part of the changes our bodies go through from dialysis.
A great lotion is Aveeno Oatmeal...I like the one with green writing on the bottle...at times when I itch I lay an ice bag on my feet or area that is itching..seems to sooth it...
A great way to make an ice bag is:
In a gallon size Ziploc bag add 3 cups water and 1 cup Rubbing Alcohol (the 90% works best)...lay flat at in the freezer for about 24hrs....The mixture never freezes solid and is more like a slushy, which makes it easy to wrap around foot or arm or neck etc...I keep about 4 bags made up in my freezer so they are ready when I need one
