Itchiness has been the most common and frustrating problem in uremic patients. About 60% of dialysis patients have itching problem. Current research shows that the causes of itch are numerous and complicated.

Causes

• Hyperparathyroidism.
• High levels of phosphorus and calcium in the blood; dry skin.
• Dialysis inadequacy related accumulation of uremic toxin.
• Anemia, iron deficiency.
• Sweat gland hypofunction.
• Side effects of medications and allergies, such as heparin, disinfecting agents and tape allergies.
• Allergy to artificial kidney disinfectant or material.

Treatment

• Adequate dialysis, increased blood flow, dialysis duration, and artificial kidney size.
• Low-phosphorus diets and phosphor-binding drugs are used to reduce blood phosphorus to improve itching, while active vitamin D can low down the levels of parathyroid hormone.
• The usage of erythropoietin has been shown to improve anemia, or itching.
• Don't take too hot showers; cotton clothing is recommended; apply moisturizer to keep skin moist.
• Improve itchy skin by taking or applying antipruritic drugs as prescribed by your doctor, or going to the dermatology clinic.
• Use a cold towel to wipe and cool the skin or take low-temperature dialysis.
• Change the type of heparin and review the suitability of artificial kidney or disinfectant (except peritoneal dialysis). In a few dialysis cases, itchy skin may be associated with allergies to the anticoagulant heparin, artificial kidney or disinfectant.