Many patients diagnosed with severe kidney failure initially mistake persistent itching for a minor skin ailment, according to Doctor Mai Tra My at the Kidney and Dialysis Center, Bach Mai Hospital. Instead of seeking a general health check-up, patients often scratch their skin until it's abraded, suffer chronic insomnia, and resort to self-medicating with allergy pills or changing shower gels.

Doctor My describes the itch caused by uremia as distinct from allergic reactions or insect bites. Patients typically experience a deep, persistent, tingling sensation from within the skin. This condition intensifies at night, leading to prolonged sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion. Standard topical creams offer little relief for these symptoms.

Three primary mechanisms contribute to skin damage when kidney function declines: toxin accumulation, dry skin, and metabolic disorders. The patient's body fails to adequately excrete urea and phosphorus, causing these substances to build up in the blood, leak into skin tissues, and directly irritate nerve endings. Additionally, reduced sweat production leads to dry, cracked, and more sensitive skin. Calcium-phosphorus metabolic imbalances also create deposits in the skin and blood vessels, further increasing discomfort.

Experts advise individuals to undergo kidney function screening immediately if they experience persistent itching accompanied by edema, prolonged fatigue, or abnormal urine. Patients must not self-medicate with traditional remedies, unverified herbal treatments, or bathe in excessively hot water. These erroneous habits, combined with scratching, heighten the risk of infection and accelerate kidney damage.

To manage symptoms, patients should apply a mild, unscented moisturizer daily. Nutritionally, those with kidney disease need to limit dairy products, nuts, and carbonated soft drinks to reduce phosphorus intake. Regular blood tests are also essential. Modern medicine now offers advanced treatments such as HDF Online hemodialysis or adsorption filters, which help medical professionals effectively address the root cause of itching and improve patients' quality of life.

Le Nga