Hi having had a Kidney transplant

[AS52]

Yes I had a transplant ten years ago, from my sister I am getting very painful itches

in my feet, any one else have this please?

[YorkyinNorfolk]

I haven’t personally but just found this:

”Extremely painful and itchy feet after a kidney transplant are likely due to a condition called "uremic pruritus," which is a common side effect of kidney disease and can worsen after a transplant, often caused by the immunosuppressant medications taken to prevent rejection; this itching can be particularly noticeable on the feet and other extremities, and should be discussed with your transplant team to find appropriate treatment options.

Key points about itchy feet after a kidney transplant:

Cause: The main reason is the buildup of toxins in the blood due to impaired kidney function, even after a transplant, which can trigger nerve signals causing itching.

Medication side effects: Immunosuppressant drugs used to prevent organ rejection can also contribute to itching as a side effect.

Other factors: Dry skin, fungal infections, and even stress can exacerbate itching.

What you should do:

Consult your doctor:

It's crucial to inform your transplant team about the severity of your foot itching, as they may need to adjust your medication or recommend additional treatments.

Skin care practices:

Moisturize your feet regularly with a fragrance-free lotion.

Use lukewarm water for bathing and avoid harsh soaps.

Wear loose-fitting socks made of breathable materials

Potential treatments:

Topical medications like calcineurin inhibitors or antihistamines

Oral medications depending on the severity of itching

Phototherapy (light therapy) in some cases”

[drmind in reply to YorkyinNorfolk]

Someone recently said gabepentin helps severe itching.

[Eyak1971 in reply to drmind]

Is that medication safe for transplant patients?

[PuggyWuggy in reply to Eyak1971]

Are you asking about gabapentin? I have been taking a pretty high dose of it (800 mg 2x per day for nerve pain) for longer than I have had my transplant (19 years). I have never had a problem with it.

[Eyak1971 in reply to PuggyWuggy]

Thanks for info.

[drmind in reply to Eyak1971]

Ask the transplant team or your nephologist

[Eyak1971 in reply to drmind]

Will do thanks.

[AS52 in reply to YorkyinNorfolk]

Many thanks to YOU all That is good to know, XX

[Eyak1971]

Had extreme neuropathy after using eye drops with BAK perservative due to toxicity. Check your over the counter medications for types of perservatives. As others have mentioned anti rejection prescribed drugs can be toxic. And any additional toxicity in your system can bring on neuropathy. Would suggest as others have mention have a good conversation with your doctor to see if there are any ways to reduce toxicity. I also take medication for uric acid levels that are also toxic. I eventually had to go to non perservative eye drops to solve the problem and then it took a while for the itch to subside. I would suggest your research your prescribed medication snd over the counter meds to evaluate the toxicity. Would also suggest to try exercising and increase liquids. My neuropathy side effects seemed to be less noticeable when I am active and seemed to shut off when I am sleeping.

[Hawk12]

Do you have a rash? Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis) is more common with immunosuppression and if you are diabetic.

[AS52]

No I think it is to do with Kidney Regards

[LisaSnow in reply to AS52]

How is your transplant functioning? Do you know your GFR or creatinine?