4 skin signs that warn of kidney disease

As kidney function declines, certain abnormalities may begin to appear on the skin. While these abnormalities may not be sufficient for a diagnosis of kidney disease, they are still warning signs that should not be ignored.

The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products, removing excess water, and maintaining the balance of many important minerals in the blood. When this organ is not functioning efficiently, waste products can accumulate in the body and affect many organs, including the skin, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Persistent dry skin is one of the common skin manifestations in people with chronic kidney disease.

ILLUSTRATIVE PHOTO: BY N. QUY

Common symptoms of kidney disease include swelling in the legs or around the eyes, frequent nighttime urination, foamy or bloody urine, persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, and high blood pressure. However, many cases of early-stage kidney disease have no obvious symptoms.

Here are some skin signs that may indicate kidney disease:

unusually and persistently dry skin

Dry skin is one of the common skin manifestations in people with chronic kidney disease. When kidney function declines, the body may experience disturbances in water and mineral balance. At the same time, the activity of sweat glands and sebaceous glands may also decrease, causing the skin to lose its natural moisture.

Patients often notice their skin becoming rough, flaky, or more prone to cracking than usual, especially on the lower legs, forearms, or thighs. In many cases, even with the use of moisturizers, dry skin persists. A review study published in the International Journal of Nephrology showed that dry skin occurs in approximately 50-85% of patients undergoing regular dialysis.

Persistent skin itching of unknown cause

Many people with chronic kidney disease frequently experience persistent itchy skin, even without allergies or common skin conditions. The itching can occur in various locations such as the back, abdomen, arms, or all over the body. Unlike the itching caused by insect bites, this condition is often persistent, recurring, and sometimes causes insomnia.

The skin turns pale yellow or gray.

As kidney disease progresses, some people may notice changes in their skin color. The skin may become paler, slightly yellowish, or more grayish than before. One reason for this is that chronic kidney disease often causes anemia.

Healthy kidneys produce the hormone erythropoietin, which stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. When kidney function declines, the amount of this hormone decreases, leading to a reduction in the number of red blood cells in the blood and causing the skin to become paler.

Edema makes the skin appear taut and shiny.

The kidneys help remove excess salt and water from the body. When the kidneys' filtering function declines, fluid can be retained in the tissues, leading to edema.

Common symptoms include mild swelling around the eyes in the morning or swelling of the feet, ankles, and lower legs at the end of the day. When edema occurs, the skin in the affected area is often shinier than normal, according to Healthline .

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