5 signs of kidney damage that show on the skin

Your kidneys play a very important role in your body. They filter waste from your blood, control body fluids, balance minerals, and help regulate blood pressure. When the kidneys are damaged and cannot work properly, waste and extra fluid begin to build-up in the body. This build-up can affect many organs including the skin.

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at 5 common skin signs that may suggest kidney damage.

1. Dry and rough skin

When the kidneys fail, they can no longer balance moisture and nutrients properly. This often leads to very dry, flaky, and rough skin. Even after applying cream, the dryness may return quickly. Dry skin in kidney patients can also crack easily and increase the risk of skin infections.

2. Persistent itching

Constant itching is one of the most common skin complaints in people with kidney disease. It happens  because waste products and minerals like phosphorus build up in the blood, irritating the skin. The itching may affect the whole body and can be severe enough to disturb sleep and daily activities.

3. Skin rashes and small bumps

As toxins stay longer in the blood, they can cause rashes, pimples, or hard bumps on the skin. These may appear on the arms, legs, chest, or back. Some rashes are itchy, while others may feel painful or sensitive.

4. Change in skin colour 

Kidney disease can change the skin’s natural colour.  For some people, the colour of the skin will become  pale because of anemia, while others may notice a yellowish, dark, or dull tone due to waste build-up in the blood. In rare severe cases, white powder-like deposits may appear on the skin after sweating.

5. Edema

Damaged kidneys cannot remove excess salt and water from the body. This causes fluid to gather under the skin, leading to swelling known as edema. Swelling is often noticed in the feet, ankles, and hands. The skin may appear stretched and shiny.