Does Kidney Disease Cause Itching?

If you or someone you know has kidney disease you may have heard about the many possible symptoms complications that can arise from this condition. One symptom that is often reported by those with kidney disease is itching or “pruritus” as it is medically known. But why does kidney disease cause itching?

Kidneys Itching

The kidneys are crucial organs in the body that help to filter out waste excess fluids from the bloodstream. When the kidneys are not functioning properly waste toxins can build up in the body leading to a range of health problems including itching.

Causes of Kidney-Related Itching

There are several different reasons why kidney disease can cause itching in patients. One cause is the buildup of waste toxins in the bloodstream. When these substances are not properly filtered out by the kidneys they can irritate the skin lead to itching.

Another possible cause of kidney-related itching is the imbalance of minerals nutrients in the body. When the kidneys are not functioning properly they may not be able to maintain the correct balance of minerals nutrients in the blood. This can cause skin irritation itching as well.

In some cases kidney disease may also lead to dry skin which can exacerbate itching. Additionally certain medications used to treat kidney disease can also cause itching as a side effect.

Treatment Prevention

Fortunately there are several treatment options available for kidney-related itching. These may include medications to help reduce the buildup of waste toxins in the body as well as topical creams lotions to soothe the skin.

In some cases lifestyle changes may also be recommended to help prevent or reduce the severity of itching. This may include increasing fluid intake to help flush out toxins from the body as well as adopting a healthy diet exercise routine.

Overall it is important for patients with kidney disease to be aware of the possibility of itching as a symptom of their condition. By working with their healthcare provider adopting healthy lifestyle habits they can help manage this symptom improve their overall quality of life.

The Bottom Line

Kidney disease can cause a range of symptoms complications including itching. This symptom is often caused by the buildup of waste toxins in the body as well as imbalances in minerals nutrients. Treatment options may include medications topical creams lifestyle changes. If you or someone you know is experiencing itching related to kidney disease consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course of treatment.