Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEffects on the SkinDiagnosisTreatmentFAQ
Table of ContentsView All
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Table of Contents
Effects on the Skin
Diagnosis
Treatment
FAQ
Typically, there are few symptoms in the early stages of kidney disease.However, people with kidney disease can develop skin rashes due to the kidneys' decreased function. The accumulation of waste products in the blood causes skin changes and rashes. Chronic kidney disease often leads to itchy skin.
This article will discuss ways kidney disease affects the skin and how a kidney specialist (nephrologist) and other providers can help treat skin rash and itchy skin.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
How Does Kidney Disease Affect the Skin?
There are several ways in which chronic kidney disease (CKD) can affect the skin.
Itchy Skin (CKD-aP)
Kidney disease can cause some seriously itchy skin calleduremic pruritus.“Uremic” refers to a high level of waste products in the blood from poor kidney function. “Pruritus” is another term for itching. This condition is now called chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) due to the fact that not all itching is related to uremia.
CKD-aP does not cause a rash, but the skin can become red and irritated from the constant scratching. The itching can be all over the body or in some people it is more focused on their back, face, and arms.
What Is the Life Expectancy With Chronic Kidney Disease?
Dry Skin
People with kidney disease can also havedry skin, sometimes calledxerosis. The kidney disease leads to interference with how dermal sweat andsebaceous(oil) glands work, and the skin pH changes. There are fewer skin lipids and an overall decrease in skin moisture content.
The dry, scaly skin sometimes occurs with “uremic frost,” a buildup of crystal-like deposits on the skin. It’s not common but may be seen in people with kidney failure who are not on dialysis.
Swelling
When the kidneys aren’t working right, they don’t pull fluid and salt out of the body. Swelling, also callededema, occurs from the buildup of fluid in the body. The swelling can happen anywhere but is more common in the feet, legs, and hands. If it becomes significant, the skin can look shiny and tight.
Rash
Fluid-filledblistersand the thickening and darkening of the skin can also occur in people with kidney disease.
Calcium Deposit Under the Skin
Calcium deposits on the skin also can cause firm white bumps, often at the joints or on the fingertips. There may be an underlyinghyperparathyroidism(overactiveparathyroid glandactivity) involved with these symptoms.
With end stage renal disease, these deposits also can affect the lungs and other organs.
Renal Failure Tests
How Are Kidney Skin Issues Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider can make a diagnosis based on the appearance of the rash, the person’s health history, and askin biopsy(removing a sample of skin for analysis in a lab).
Your dermatologist (skin specialist) or other provider will want to rule out different skin conditions with similar symptoms, including:
People diagnosed and treated for kidney failure have a higher risk of cancer than the general population. For those on dialysis, there’s a higher risk of certain skin cancers. For those who receive kidney transplants, there’s a higher risk of various cancers.
Kidney Disease and Cancer RiskPeople who receive dialysis treatments or kidney transplants due to CKD face a higher risk of developing cancer, including skin cancers. It’s important to see a dermatologist for routine skin checks or an accurate diagnosis as soon as you experience symptoms. Keep in mind that it works both ways: People treated for cancer also face a higher risk of kidney disease, too.
Kidney Disease and Cancer Risk
People who receive dialysis treatments or kidney transplants due to CKD face a higher risk of developing cancer, including skin cancers. It’s important to see a dermatologist for routine skin checks or an accurate diagnosis as soon as you experience symptoms. Keep in mind that it works both ways: People treated for cancer also face a higher risk of kidney disease, too.
Kidney Disease Rash Treatment
Treatment for a kidney disease rash will vary based on its type and cause. In general, there are overall lifestyle changes you can make to treat symptoms:
For specific skin issues, your healthcare provider will recommend treatments for that condition.
CKD-aP
Improved dialysis approaches may help with CKD-aP. Other treatments may include:
Antihistamines are not recommended, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have yet to be proven effective. Cannabinoids show promise with CKD-aP but more research is needed.
Calcium Deposits Under the Skin
Acquired Perforating Dermatosis
There is no known therapy for which clinical trials provide evidence of their benefit. A 2021 report showed some success withcolchicine(usually used as a treatment for gout) added to a topical steroid. In addition, some other treatment options include:
Underlying Causes of Kidney DiseaseThe main causes of CKD arediabetesandhigh blood pressure. Other causes includeinfections,polycystic kidney disease, andlupus.Many people living with CKD don’t know it because they have no symptoms, so it’s important to see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis of itchy skin or other signs.
Underlying Causes of Kidney Disease
The main causes of CKD arediabetesandhigh blood pressure. Other causes includeinfections,polycystic kidney disease, andlupus.Many people living with CKD don’t know it because they have no symptoms, so it’s important to see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis of itchy skin or other signs.
Summary
Kidney disease is a condition that can affect the whole body. When the kidneys are unable to filter the blood, there is a buildup of waste products in the blood, which can cause itchy skin rashes.
These rashes have raised red areas, white bumps, or cause itching with no visible rash. In addition to different symptoms, they also have different causes that may make them more likely to occur or require different treatment options.
Talk to your healthcare provider about options for treating kidney disease rashes, which can include changes to dialysis, prescription medications, light or laser treatments, and lifestyle changes.
Frequently Asked QuestionsItching from kidney disease can be anywhere on the body. People with uremic pruritus tend to be itchy on their face, back, and arms. Calcium deposits can create itchy bumps on the fingertips and around joints.The rash from kidney disease can have white bumps on the fingertips and near joints. It could also produce raised dome-shaped nodules.Kidney disease symptoms tend to be gradual, happening slowly over time. Because of this, the symptoms can easily be missed. One of the first symptoms to show up is swelling. Other symptoms can include urine changes, fatigue, headaches, and itching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Itching from kidney disease can be anywhere on the body. People with uremic pruritus tend to be itchy on their face, back, and arms. Calcium deposits can create itchy bumps on the fingertips and around joints.
The rash from kidney disease can have white bumps on the fingertips and near joints. It could also produce raised dome-shaped nodules.
Kidney disease symptoms tend to be gradual, happening slowly over time. Because of this, the symptoms can easily be missed. One of the first symptoms to show up is swelling. Other symptoms can include urine changes, fatigue, headaches, and itching.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States, 2023.Delrue C, Speeckaert MM.Chronic Kidney Disease: Early Detection, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Implications.J Pers Med. 2023 Sep 28;13(10):1447. doi: 10.3390/jpm13101447.Scherer JS, Tu C, Pisoni RL, Speyer E, Lopes AA, Wen W,et al.CKD-Associated Pruritus and Clinical Outcomes in Nondialysis CKD.Kidney Med. 2023 Nov 28;6(1):100754. doi: 10.1016/j.xkme.2023.100754.Mettang T, Kremer AE.Uremic pruritus.Kidney Int. 2015;87(4):685-691. doi:10.1038/ki.2013.454National Kidney Foundation.Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus.Arriaga Escamilla D, Lakhani A, Antony S, Salazar Villegas KN, Gupta M, Ramnath P,et al.Dermatological Manifestations in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Review.Cureus. 2024 Jan 14;16(1):e52253. doi: 10.7759/cureus.52253.Huang CW, Wei KC.Uremic frost.J Formos Med Assoc. 2023 Oct;122(10):1087-1088. doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.04.006.Yarandi N, Shirali AC.Onconephrology: Core Curriculum 2023.Am J Kidney Dis. 2023 Dec;82(6):743-761. doi: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2023.04.014.Weisshaar E, Szepietowski JC, Dalgard FJ, Garcovich S, Gieler U, Giménez-Arnau AM,et al. S.European S2k Guideline on Chronic Pruritus.Acta Derm Venereol. 2019 Apr 1;99(5):469-506. doi: 10.2340/00015555-3164.Rigatto C, Collister D, Granger-Vallée A, Girard L, Hingwala J, Karaboyas A,et al.Pathways for Diagnosing and Treating CKD-Associated Pruritus: A Narrative Review.Can J Kidney Health Dis. 2024 Apr 25;11:20543581241238808. doi: 10.1177/20543581241238808.National Institute of Health.Phosphorus.Gil F, Cardoso JC, Gil J.Successful Treatment of Acquired Perforating Dermatosis with Colchicine.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2021 Feb 22;12(2):355-356. doi: 10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_504_20.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Causes of chronic kidney disease.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.What is chronic kidney disease?
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States, 2023.Delrue C, Speeckaert MM.Chronic Kidney Disease: Early Detection, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Implications.J Pers Med. 2023 Sep 28;13(10):1447. doi: 10.3390/jpm13101447.Scherer JS, Tu C, Pisoni RL, Speyer E, Lopes AA, Wen W,et al.CKD-Associated Pruritus and Clinical Outcomes in Nondialysis CKD.Kidney Med. 2023 Nov 28;6(1):100754. doi: 10.1016/j.xkme.2023.100754.Mettang T, Kremer AE.Uremic pruritus.Kidney Int. 2015;87(4):685-691. doi:10.1038/ki.2013.454National Kidney Foundation.Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus.Arriaga Escamilla D, Lakhani A, Antony S, Salazar Villegas KN, Gupta M, Ramnath P,et al.Dermatological Manifestations in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Review.Cureus. 2024 Jan 14;16(1):e52253. doi: 10.7759/cureus.52253.Huang CW, Wei KC.Uremic frost.J Formos Med Assoc. 2023 Oct;122(10):1087-1088. doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.04.006.Yarandi N, Shirali AC.Onconephrology: Core Curriculum 2023.Am J Kidney Dis. 2023 Dec;82(6):743-761. doi: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2023.04.014.Weisshaar E, Szepietowski JC, Dalgard FJ, Garcovich S, Gieler U, Giménez-Arnau AM,et al. S.European S2k Guideline on Chronic Pruritus.Acta Derm Venereol. 2019 Apr 1;99(5):469-506. doi: 10.2340/00015555-3164.Rigatto C, Collister D, Granger-Vallée A, Girard L, Hingwala J, Karaboyas A,et al.Pathways for Diagnosing and Treating CKD-Associated Pruritus: A Narrative Review.Can J Kidney Health Dis. 2024 Apr 25;11:20543581241238808. doi: 10.1177/20543581241238808.National Institute of Health.Phosphorus.Gil F, Cardoso JC, Gil J.Successful Treatment of Acquired Perforating Dermatosis with Colchicine.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2021 Feb 22;12(2):355-356. doi: 10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_504_20.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Causes of chronic kidney disease.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.What is chronic kidney disease?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States, 2023.Delrue C, Speeckaert MM.Chronic Kidney Disease: Early Detection, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Implications.J Pers Med. 2023 Sep 28;13(10):1447. doi: 10.3390/jpm13101447.Scherer JS, Tu C, Pisoni RL, Speyer E, Lopes AA, Wen W,et al.CKD-Associated Pruritus and Clinical Outcomes in Nondialysis CKD.Kidney Med. 2023 Nov 28;6(1):100754. doi: 10.1016/j.xkme.2023.100754.Mettang T, Kremer AE.Uremic pruritus.Kidney Int. 2015;87(4):685-691. doi:10.1038/ki.2013.454National Kidney Foundation.Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus.Arriaga Escamilla D, Lakhani A, Antony S, Salazar Villegas KN, Gupta M, Ramnath P,et al.Dermatological Manifestations in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Review.Cureus. 2024 Jan 14;16(1):e52253. doi: 10.7759/cureus.52253.Huang CW, Wei KC.Uremic frost.J Formos Med Assoc. 2023 Oct;122(10):1087-1088. doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.04.006.Yarandi N, Shirali AC.Onconephrology: Core Curriculum 2023.Am J Kidney Dis. 2023 Dec;82(6):743-761. doi: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2023.04.014.Weisshaar E, Szepietowski JC, Dalgard FJ, Garcovich S, Gieler U, Giménez-Arnau AM,et al. S.European S2k Guideline on Chronic Pruritus.Acta Derm Venereol. 2019 Apr 1;99(5):469-506. doi: 10.2340/00015555-3164.Rigatto C, Collister D, Granger-Vallée A, Girard L, Hingwala J, Karaboyas A,et al.Pathways for Diagnosing and Treating CKD-Associated Pruritus: A Narrative Review.Can J Kidney Health Dis. 2024 Apr 25;11:20543581241238808. doi: 10.1177/20543581241238808.National Institute of Health.Phosphorus.Gil F, Cardoso JC, Gil J.Successful Treatment of Acquired Perforating Dermatosis with Colchicine.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2021 Feb 22;12(2):355-356. doi: 10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_504_20.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Causes of chronic kidney disease.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.What is chronic kidney disease?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States, 2023.
Delrue C, Speeckaert MM.Chronic Kidney Disease: Early Detection, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Implications.J Pers Med. 2023 Sep 28;13(10):1447. doi: 10.3390/jpm13101447.
Scherer JS, Tu C, Pisoni RL, Speyer E, Lopes AA, Wen W,et al.CKD-Associated Pruritus and Clinical Outcomes in Nondialysis CKD.Kidney Med. 2023 Nov 28;6(1):100754. doi: 10.1016/j.xkme.2023.100754.
Mettang T, Kremer AE.Uremic pruritus.Kidney Int. 2015;87(4):685-691. doi:10.1038/ki.2013.454
National Kidney Foundation.Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus.
Arriaga Escamilla D, Lakhani A, Antony S, Salazar Villegas KN, Gupta M, Ramnath P,et al.Dermatological Manifestations in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Review.Cureus. 2024 Jan 14;16(1):e52253. doi: 10.7759/cureus.52253.
Huang CW, Wei KC.Uremic frost.J Formos Med Assoc. 2023 Oct;122(10):1087-1088. doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.04.006.
Yarandi N, Shirali AC.Onconephrology: Core Curriculum 2023.Am J Kidney Dis. 2023 Dec;82(6):743-761. doi: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2023.04.014.
Weisshaar E, Szepietowski JC, Dalgard FJ, Garcovich S, Gieler U, Giménez-Arnau AM,et al. S.European S2k Guideline on Chronic Pruritus.Acta Derm Venereol. 2019 Apr 1;99(5):469-506. doi: 10.2340/00015555-3164.
Rigatto C, Collister D, Granger-Vallée A, Girard L, Hingwala J, Karaboyas A,et al.Pathways for Diagnosing and Treating CKD-Associated Pruritus: A Narrative Review.Can J Kidney Health Dis. 2024 Apr 25;11:20543581241238808. doi: 10.1177/20543581241238808.
National Institute of Health.Phosphorus.
Gil F, Cardoso JC, Gil J.Successful Treatment of Acquired Perforating Dermatosis with Colchicine.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2021 Feb 22;12(2):355-356. doi: 10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_504_20.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Causes of chronic kidney disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.What is chronic kidney disease?
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