Changes in the skin can be due to many reasons, such as cold weather, use of irritants or allergies. However, in rarer cases, skin symptoms can indicate serious health problems, including kidney disease.
Experts say kidney problems can manifest as skin symptoms. You need to pay attention to the following signs:
Dry or itchy skin
According to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), dry or itchy skin is a common sign of advanced kidney disease. If you experience this symptom, you may notice that the skin becomes rough, scaly, cracked, causing discomfort.
NKF experts explain: “Healthy kidneys do many important jobs. They remove waste and excess fluid from the body, produce red blood cells, help strengthen bones, and maintain the right amount of minerals in the blood. Dry and itchy skin can be a sign of bone and mineral disease that often accompanies advanced kidney disease when the kidneys are no longer able to keep the balance of minerals and nutrients in the blood.
Change skin color
Changes in skin color can also be a symptom of chronic kidney disease.
According to the Fresenius Kidney Care Clinic, when the kidneys are less efficient at filtering the blood, a build-up of toxins in the body can potentially cause color changes in the skin. You may notice gray or yellow skin, and areas of skin that are dark or pale in color. If you have itchy skin for a long time and scratch often, you may also find thick, yellow skin with bumps or cysts.
Swelling
Swelling (edema) is another common symptom of kidney disease, as the kidneys are responsible for removing excess fluid and salt from the body. When they aren’t working properly, fluid builds up in the body, causing swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, face, or hands.
Many people with kidney problems experience swelling or puffiness around their eyes. “If your eyes are often swollen, especially in the morning, be careful,” NKF warns.
Rash and blisters
Rash and blisters on the skin are another sign of advanced kidney disease.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) explains: “When the kidneys are unable to remove waste from the body, a rash can develop. A rash that occurs in people with end-stage kidney disease causes small, dome-shaped, and extremely itchy bumps. As these spots fade, new ones can form. Sometimes, they link together to form rough, raised patches.
In addition, some patients with end-stage renal disease may also develop blisters on the hands, face, or feet. The AAD experts say: “The blisters will burst, dry out and crust over. When they fall off, scars will appear.”
Calcium residue
Sometimes kidney patients will also develop calcium deposits under the skin, usually near joints in the elbows, knees, or fingers.
The AAD explains: “The kidneys balance certain minerals in the blood, such as sodium and phosphate. When the kidneys are unable to maintain a healthy balance, calcium deposits build up in the skin.”
If you notice any suspicious symptoms on your skin, see your doctor for an exam and kidney tests if indicated.
According to Bestlife
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