Ask a doctor - Does kidney disease cause itching?

Q. Does kidney disease cause itching?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Yes, kidney disease can indeed cause itching, and it's often a bothersome symptom for those who experience it. This itching, also known as uremic pruritus or renal pruritus, is quite common in people with kidney problems. But why does it happen?

Well, our kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste and toxins from our blood. When they aren't functioning properly, waste products can build up in our bloodstream. One of these waste products is called urea. Normally, healthy kidneys filter out urea and it's excreted in our urine. However, if the kidneys are damaged or not working efficiently, urea can accumulate in the body, leading to a condition called uremia.

Uremia is associated with a range of symptoms, and itching is one of them. While the exact mechanism isn't entirely understood, it's believed that the buildup of urea and other waste products in the bloodstream can irritate nerve endings in the skin, causing itching.

Additionally, kidney disease often leads to imbalances in minerals and nutrients in the body, such as calcium and phosphorus. These imbalances can also contribute to itching.

The severity of itching can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. It may affect different parts of the body and can be particularly troublesome at night, disrupting sleep and affecting quality of life.

Managing itching caused by kidney disease typically involves treating the underlying kidney problem. This might include medications to help improve kidney function or procedures such as dialysis or kidney transplant in more severe cases.

In addition to treating the underlying cause, there are also strategies to help alleviate itching symptoms. This may involve topical treatments such as moisturizers or medicated creams to soothe the skin. Antihistamines or other medications can also be prescribed to help reduce itching.

It's important for individuals with kidney disease experiencing itching to discuss their symptoms with their healthcare provider. They can work together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to manage both the kidney disease and the associated itching, helping to improve overall quality of life.