Kidney Disease Effects On Skin And How To Prevent Skin Problems

The kidneys clean the blood by eliminating waste and extra water. They release hormones, control blood pressure, and maintain a delicate mineral balance in the body.

Skin rashes can occur in people who have kidney disease. These rashes are caused by a reduction in kidney function. Skin changes and rashes are caused by the buildup of waste materials in the blood.

Why Does Kidney Disease Have an Impact on the Skin?

When you have chronic kidney disease CKD, your kidneys are unable to filter your blood as well as healthy kidneys would, causing waste and toxins to build up and leaving your body itching. 

The kidneys also have difficulty regulating some elements, such as phosphorus. When your phosphorus levels go too high, your skin might become dry and inflamed. Furthermore, renal illness might cause changes in your sweat glands, leading your skin to become dry.

The effects of Chronic kidney Disease on your skin:

Skin itchiness

A frequent sign of severe kidney disease is very itchy skin. The itch can be annoying or life-threatening. Your skin may itch all of the time (or the majority of the time).

Itching can have an effect on the appearance of your skin. It may be dry and crack easily, causing bleeding. You may see marks or wounds where you scratched, which might raise the risk of infection.

Nail discoloration

The look of your fingernails, toenails, or both may be impacted by kidney illness. Advanced kidney disease patients may develop:

A normal to reddish brown tint beneath one or more nails with a white upper portion.

(Muehrcke's nails) One or more nails have white bands running across them. Your nails are a great indicator of your healthIf you detect any changes to your fingernails or toenails, see your doctor.

Rash

Small, dome-shaped, and very irritating pimples are caused by  rash that appears in people with end-stage kidney failure. As these bumps disappear, new ones might appear. Small bumps can sometimes come together to produce rough raised patches.

Blisters

Blisters can appear on the skin of certain persons with end-stage renal failure.

• Hands
• Face
• Feet

Blisters will form, dry, and crust over. Scars emerge when they heal.

Calcinosis cutis

Your kidneys perform various functions. One is to keep specific minerals in your blood, such as salt and phosphate, in balance. Levels might rise when the kidneys are unable to maintain a healthy equilibrium. Some people acquire calcium deposits in their skin.

Calcium deposits are generally seen around joints and are not uncomfortable. However, when they occur inside a fingertip, they can be quite painful. A chalky discharge may appear if one of these deposits pushes through the skin.

Tips for Maintaining Skin Health:

Skin changes can be aggravating and, if left untreated, can have a negative impact on your quality of life. Review the following guidelines and begin implementing them into your daily routine to help maintain the health of your skin.

• Keep an eye on your calcium phosphate consumption. To keep your calcium phosphate levels in balance, take your phosphate binders exactly as advised by your doctor.

• Maintain a kidney-friendly diet. What and how much you eat and drink can have an impact on your health. A kidney-friendly diet will help you feel your best and keep your phosphate levels low, decreasing skin irritation among other things.

• Try not to scratch your skin. Scratching may give temporary comfort, but it frequently worsens the itching and can cause skin damage or infection.

• Avoid goods with overpowering fragrances. Because scents in certain items might trigger allergic responses or skin irritation, unscented goods are preferable.

• Put on something comfy. Cotton and other natural fiber clothing can be more pleasant to the skin. Wearing loose-fitting garments that don't rub against your skin can also assist.

• Avoid taking hot baths. Hot water can dry out and irritate your skin. Showers are also preferred over baths.

How dermatologists assist people suffering from kidney disease:

Nephrologists, or kidney doctors, frequently treat patients with kidney disease. A nephrologist and a dermatologist may collaborate when a kidney disease affects the skin. Some skin disorders caused by kidney disease might be difficult to treat. 

For example, if a patient has highly itchy skin, sleeping through the night may be hard. A board-certified dermatologist can assist a patient in finding relief. This may entail balancing the moisturizers and medications you use on your skin. Some individuals benefit from a treatment known as UVB phototherapy.