That sounds really uncomfortable — and yes, this is something other MyKidneyDiseaseTeam members have experienced too. The itching and fluid retention in the feet and ankles can both be connected to kidney disease.
When kidneys aren't filtering properly, waste products and toxins build up in the blood. This can cause a type Show Full Answer
That sounds really uncomfortable — and yes, this is something other MyKidneyDiseaseTeam members have experienced too. The itching and fluid retention in the feet and ankles can both be connected to kidney disease.
When kidneys aren't filtering properly, waste products and toxins build up in the blood. This can cause a type of itching called uremic pruritus, which often feels like a crawling or prickling sensation under the skin. The deep sock indentations are likely from fluid retention (edema), which is common with kidney disease. The swollen, stretched skin can become extra sensitive and reactive — making even light pressure from socks feel intensely itchy.
Some things that may help with the itching include:
- Moisturizing regularly with an emollient, even on days when itching isn't bad
- Avoiding hot showers and using gentle, fragrance-free soap
- Cool compresses on itchy areas
- Oral antihistamines like hydroxyzine (prescription)
- Topical creams containing pramoxine
It's worth bringing both the swelling and itching up with a nephrologist or dermatologist, as managing the underlying kidney-related imbalances — like phosphate, calcium, or parathyroid hormone levels — may also help reduce symptoms.
July 14
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