13 Ways Kidney Disease Affects Skin Health
Kidney disease affects the health of the skin. It may not be one of the first symptoms, but it is usual that – as the pathology progresses – manifestations occur on various skin regions. Now, these symptoms can vary from one person to another.
While some experience only mild discomfort, others develop symptoms that become exasperating. Likewise, this can occur on a specific area of the skin or on the entire skin as a whole. If so, it is quite annoying for those who suffer from it. How to recognize the signs? What to do about it?
13 Ways Kidney Disease Affects Your Skin
Kidney disease has the potential to cause skin changes. This is because the kidneys ‘ difficulty in filtering blood leads to the accumulation of waste and toxins.
Additionally, they may have problems balancing minerals in the body and sometimes cause changes in the sweat glands. Consequently, skin health is altered . In what way? Let’s see.
1. Extreme dryness
Advanced kidney disease often causes dry skin . It feels tight, rough, and has fish-like scales. It also feels tight and tends to crack.
2. Itchy skin
Itchy skin is also typical of a kidney problem. It can manifest on a single area of skin or on the entire body. In fact, it may be present only momentarily or permanently. If this symptom appears frequently, it is best to consult a doctor.
3. Scratches
Continuous scratching causes scratch marks to appear on the skin. These can lead to sores or raw skin. They may also cause a condition called lichen simplex chronicus , where the skin becomes thick and hard. It is even related to the appearance of “nodular prurigo”, a type of hard lumps that are quite itchy.
4. Color changes in the skin
Color changes in the skin are the effect of the accumulation of toxins caused by kidney disease. The skin may turn pale, yellowish, or gray.
Likewise, it is common for there to be darker areas of skin or for cysts and spots that look like whiteheads to form. In certain cases, the skin becomes thick, yellowish, and shows bumps and deep grooves.
5. Changes in nail color
Nails can be compromised by the presence of kidney disease. In particular, they tend to change color. The usual thing is that they take on a white color on top, while having a reddish brown color underneath.
Likewise, white bands may appear crossing the nail , or they may become very pale. It occurs in one or more nails, on the hands or feet.
6. Swelling
When the kidneys do not function optimally, salt and fluids in the body build up. Due to this, areas such as the feet, ankles, legs, hands and face appear swollen. Like other symptoms, it can be noticeable in one specific area or in several.
7. Rashes
This is another effect of the difficulty in removing waste. The rashes look like small, dome-shaped bumps that are very itchy .
Sometimes these bumps join together and form rough, bulky patches on the skin. The lumps may disappear, but then new ones form.
8. Blisters
Blisters appear on the hands, feet, or face . After a while, they split open, dry out, and form scabs. They usually leave scars. This manifestation is typical of cases in which kidney disease is very advanced.
9. Side effect due to contrast substance
Contrast substances are compounds that are used in exams such as MRI . One of them is gadolinium, which can cause a side effect on the skin of people with kidney disease.
After applying it, the skin may become extremely tight, to the point where it is impossible to bend the knee or any other part of the body. Anyway, this is a very rare effect.
10. Calcium deposits under the skin
One of the functions of the kidneys is to balance some minerals in the body. When they do not work well, calcium deposits may appear on the skin. They usually develop around a joint and do not cause pain. However, if they appear on the tip of a finger, they are usually very painful.
11. Calciphylaxis
Calciphylaxis is a serious disease in which there is a buildup of calcium in the blood vessels of the skin and fat. This causes clots, ulcers, and sometimes leads to severe infections. It is a rare disease, more common in patients with kidney problems, but it can affect anyone.
12. Fibrosing nephrogenic dermopathy
Fibrosing nephrogenic dermopathy is another serious disease that causes skin lesions. These evolve and become fibrosis and then skin sclerosis. After this, it gives rise to contractures in the joints and ends up limiting the mobility of the affected person.
It most commonly occurs on the feet and, to a lesser extent, on the hands and trunk. It is a condition exclusive to people with kidney disease.
13. Acquired perforating dermatosis
Acquired perforating dermatosis is a rare disease characterized by the appearance of crusted lesions in the form of papules and nodules.
They are associated with the elimination of collagen, keratin and elastic fibers by the epidermis. It almost always occurs in people with chronic kidney disease or diabetes mellitus.
How to address skin damage?
Chronic kidney failure is the most common form of kidney disease; involves permanent damage to the kidneys. The most worrying thing is that many people have this pathology, but do not know it.
Skin damage only appears when the disease has already evolved . In any case, to avoid a reduction in quality of life, some care measures can be taken such as the following:
- Control calcium phosphate levels . It is done through drugs that the doctor prescribes and that must be taken regularly.
- Take care of your diet . The diet should also be aimed at reducing phosphate. If this is achieved, skin symptoms decrease.
- Avoid scratching . Scratching only provides minimal relief, but it can lead to many problems. To avoid this, you can place a cold compress on the itchy area.
- Use unscented products . Perfumes can cause an allergic reaction that worsens skin problems.
- Wear comfortable clothing . It is best to wear loose cotton clothing so that it does not rub or irritate the skin.
- Stay hydrated . Applying a moisturizer once a day helps manage dryness and prevent irritation.
- Avoid hot water baths . High temperature water dries out and irritates the skin.
Final recommendations
If a person is not diagnosed with kidney disease, but has skin problems such as those described, it is advisable to consult a doctor . You may have kidney problems and not realize it.
When the disease has already been diagnosed and skin problems occur, the doctor can refer you to a consultation with a dermatologist so that he or she can take the appropriate measures.
