Kidney disease can have a significant impact on your overall health, including the health of your skin. The kidneys play a crucial role in removing waste and excess fluid from the body, and when they are not functioning properly, it can lead to a range of complications that can manifest on the skin. Early warning signs related to kidney disease generally do not appear on the skin. But, as the disease advances, you may experience one or multiple of the following symptoms.
Extremely Dry & Itchy Skin
One of the most common skin problems associated with kidney disease is dry and itchy skin. The kidneys are responsible for removing excess fluids from the body, so when they are not functioning correctly, it can lead to a buildup of toxins and waste products in the blood. These toxins can cause skin irritation, dryness, and itchiness. Skin can become so dry that it becomes rough and scaly, cracks easily, and even develops scales. Pruritus, also known as itching, is common in end-stage kidney disease, especially those requiring dialysis or kidney transplant. Pruritus can be particularly problematic for people with kidney disease who are on dialysis, as the process of dialysis can further dry out the skin and exacerbate itching. Itchy skin is one of the most common symptoms of advanced kidney disease and can range from irritating to life-disrupting. Itching can be isolated to one part of the body or spread across most of the body. Scratching can lead to raw, bleeding skin and sores, leathery skin (lichen simplex chronicus), and itchy bumps (nodularis prurigo). Seeking dermatological care to get relief is often necessary. UVB phototherapy can be used to treat extremely dry, itchy skin.
Changes in Skin Color
Kidney disease can also cause changes in skin color. The kidneys are responsible for regulating the production of red blood cells, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. When the kidneys are not functioning correctly, it can lead to a decrease in the production of red blood cells, and toxin buildup, which can cause color changes in the skin. You may notice the following changes in skin color:
- Pale, unhealthy-looking skin
- Grey-ish hue
- Yellowish color
- Areas of darkened skin
Additionally, skin that is itchy and scratched often can become yellowish, thick skin, sometimes with bumps and deep lines and you may also notice cysts and spots similar to whiteheads.
Color changes can also be found in the nails. It is common for advanced kidney disease to affect the appearance of both fingernails and toenails. Nails may appear pale, have a white color on the upper part and a reddish part below (“half and half nails”), and/or have white bands running across them (Muehrcke’s nails). Nail health can reveal a lot about your overall health. If you notice a change in your fingernails or toenails, see your doctor.
Easy Bruising, Rashes & Blisters
Kidney disease can also make the skin more susceptible to bruising. This is because the kidneys are responsible for producing a hormone called erythropoietin, which helps to stimulate the production of red blood cells. When the kidneys are not functioning correctly, it can lead to a decrease in the production of this hormone, which can make the skin more fragile and prone to bruising.
When kidneys cannot properly remove waste from the body, a rash may appear. A common rash that develops in those with kidney disease causes small, dome-shaped, itchy bumps. As the bumps clear, new bumps form. These bumps can also join together to form raised, rough patches of skin.
Blisters are also common in end-stage kidney disease, which can develop on the hands, face, and feet. The blisters may open, dry up, and crust over, leaving scars.
Swelling
The kidneys remove extra fluids and salt from the body. When they are not working properly, there is a buildup of fluids and salt, causing swelling. Swelling may be noticeable on the legs, ankles, feet, hands, and face. Swelling can arise in one or several areas of the body.
Calcium Deposits Under The Skin
The kidneys balance certain minerals in the body, such as sodium and phosphate. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, they fail to maintain a healthy balance, and levels may rise. Hard calcium deposits can develop under the skin. While most calcium deposits are not painful, if they develop on a fingertip, they can cause a lot of pain. Sometimes these deposits can push up through the skin, leaving a chalky discharge.
How To Diagnose Kidney Disease Before It Affects Your Skin
The most common form of kidney disease is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Kidney disease is a serious medical condition, affecting about 37 million people. Most people don’t even know they have it. To find kidney disease in an earlier stage, before it affects the skin and permanent damage occurs, it is important to be aware of the early warning signs and risk factors. Here are some ways to find kidney disease before it affects your skin:
Get regular check-ups. Routine blood and urine tests can help detect signs of kidney disease in its early stages, even before symptoms appear.
Know your risk factors. Certain factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of kidney disease, and age can increase your risk of developing kidney disease.
Manage your health. Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar levels under control, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption to reduce your risk of developing kidney disease.
Educate yourself. Learn about the symptoms and stages of kidney disease, and seek medical attention if you experience any of them.
By being proactive and taking steps to monitor and manage your health, you can detect kidney disease before it affects your skin and other organs. Anyone over 65 years old should be screened for kidney disease. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations.
Managing Skin Problems Related to Kidney Disease
While kidney disease is often overseen by nephrologists, when the disease affects the skin, a dermatologist may be consulted. Certain skin conditions can be difficult to control and affect quality of life. If you are experiencing skin problems related to kidney disease, there are several things you can do to manage these symptoms in addition to seeking out a board-certified dermatologist. These include:
Keep your skin moisturized. Use a fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and reduce dryness and itching.
Avoid hot water. Hot water can further dry out the skin, so it is best to use lukewarm water when showering or bathing.
Use a humidifier. If you live in a dry climate, using a humidifier can help to add moisture to the air and reduce dryness and itchiness.
Avoid scratching. Although it can be tempting to scratch itchy skin, doing so can cause further damage and lead to infection. Instead, try using a cold compress or taking an oatmeal bath to soothe the skin.
Talk to your doctor. If you are experiencing skin problems related to kidney disease, it is important to talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe medications or recommend other treatments to manage your symptoms.
Kidney disease can have a significant impact on your skin. By taking steps to manage these symptoms, you can improve your overall comfort and quality of life.
If you have any concerns about kidney disease and your skin, call our office today at (913) 469-1115 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kaplan and the team at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology.