In the early stages, kidney disease often shows few noticeable symptoms. However, as it advances, various symptoms, including skin issues, may arise. Common skin problems associated with kidney disease include itching, rashes, and changes in skin color.

Skin Problems Due to Kidney Disease

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, kidney disease can lead to several specific skin issues:

Dry Skin

People with advanced kidney disease who require dialysis or a transplant often experience dry skin. This is due to impaired kidney function, which reduces moisture levels in the skin’s outer layers, causing dryness, roughness, and scaling. Additional symptoms include a tight, stretched feeling and skin that cracks easily.

Itchy Skin

Persistent itching, or pruritus, is a common symptom in the later stages of kidney disease but can also occur in earlier stages. Itching may be limited to one area or spread across much of the body.

To ease the discomfort, patients may scratch continuously, leading to potential bleeding, sores, thickened patches, or nodular prurigo (hard, intensely itchy lumps). UVB phototherapy is sometimes prescribed to relieve itching.

Changes in Skin Color

Due to a buildup of toxins that the kidneys cannot fully clear, people with kidney disease may notice skin discoloration, including:

• Unhealthy pale tone
• Grayish or yellowish tint
• Darker patches on the skin
• Cysts or spots resembling whiteheads

Swelling

The kidneys help regulate fluid and salt levels. When their function is compromised, swelling (edema) can develop in various areas, such as the feet, ankles, hands, and face.

Rashes

Disruption in waste elimination can cause rashes, often seen in end-stage kidney disease. These rashes may appear as small, dome-like lumps that are intensely itchy. As some lumps disappear, new ones can appear, forming rough and raised patches.

Blisters

In later stages, some individuals develop blisters on their hands, face, and feet. These blisters may eventually break open, dry out, and form scars.

Calcium Deposits Under the Skin

The kidneys also play a role in regulating minerals like sodium and phosphate in the blood. If balance is lost, high sodium and phosphate levels may lead to calcium deposits under the skin.

These usually form near the joints and are painless, though deposits on the fingertips can cause significant pain.

Kidney disease-related skin problems, like itching or rashes, may occur in early stages but are more prevalent as the disease progresses. It’s advisable to avoid excessive scratching, which can lead to skin damage or infections.

If you’re experiencing skin issues related to kidney disease, consulting a doctor is recommended. You can also use the Ai Care app for a consultation, available on the App Store and Play Store.

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