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Real members of MyKidneyDiseaseTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Am 86 yrs, male with CKD 3B...have been experiencing chronic, severe intense skin itching, over most of my body. This occurs mainly at

A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member asked a question 💭

night but also during part of the day. One lotion of many tried, Cera-ve helps for short periods. Question for next DR. app. is ...is there a possible connection between Kidney disease and skin rash with severe itching?

March 4
 · 
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A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member

Yes, do talk to your doctor and hopefully, they can help you with the skin itching and keep you stable at your current kidney damage stage. I am also at Stage 3B and the itching comes and goes for me too.

March 10
MyKidneyDiseaseTeam

Is there a connection between kidney disease and severe skin itching?

Yes, there's definitely a connection between your CKD 3B and the intense itching you're experiencing. This is actually quite common with kidney disease.

When your kidneys aren't filtering properly, waste products and toxins build up in your blood. This Show Full Answer

Is there a connection between kidney disease and severe skin itching?

Yes, there's definitely a connection between your CKD 3B and the intense itching you're experiencing. This is actually quite common with kidney disease.

When your kidneys aren't filtering properly, waste products and toxins build up in your blood. This buildup can irritate your skin and cause intense itching, known as uremic pruritus or chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP).

Your kidneys also help balance minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone. When these levels get too high, they can trigger itching and dry skin.

The itching often:
- Affects most of your body
- Worsens at night or on hot days
- Feels like crawling or prickling under your skin
- Doesn't improve much with scratching

It's great that CeraVe provides some relief. Using moisturizers regularly (not just during flare-ups) can help keep your skin soft and reduce itching episodes. For your doctor appointment, definitely mention this connection. Your nephrologist can explore treatment options like:
- Prescription medications specifically for kidney-related itching
- Adjusting mineral levels (calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone)
- Topical treatments beyond over-the-counter moisturizers

Since you're experiencing this severely and frequently, medical treatment may provide better relief than lotions alone.

March 4

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