Chronic itching and its link to kidney disease: an important medical warning
In an important medical warning highlighting the hidden signs of chronic diseases, Dr. Shadi Amr, a consultant in internal medicine and kidney diseases, revealed a close and worrying relationship between chronic skin itching and kidney disorders, noting that the skin is often a mirror reflecting the health status of the body's internal organs.
Medical context: The kidneys and the silent killer
Kidney disease is known globally as the "silent killer" because it develops very slowly without obvious symptoms in its early stages. Global medical statistics indicate that millions of people worldwide live with varying degrees of kidney failure without knowing it. In this context, it is crucial to pay attention to atypical symptoms such as uremic pruritus, which has historically been one of the most bothersome symptoms for kidney failure patients. However, recent studies have shown that it can also appear in earlier stages as a warning sign requiring intervention.
Chronic itching... when is it dangerous?
Dr. Amr explained that itching associated with the kidneys differs significantly from typical skin allergies. It is characterized by the absence of a visible rash in most cases, and its intensity increases noticeably during the night, negatively impacting sleep quality and the patient's mental health. This itching is usually concentrated in specific areas such as the back, arms, legs, and scalp, and does not respond to conventional antihistamines or other common allergy treatments.
Physiological causes and toxin accumulation
Regarding the scientific causes of this phenomenon, the consultant explained that the decline in kidney function leads to the body's inability to filter the blood properly, causing a buildup of toxins and nitrogenous waste. In addition, there is an imbalance in vital minerals, specifically elevated phosphorus and low calcium levels, as well as neurological changes and severe skin dryness common in kidney patients. All these factors combine to trigger severe and persistent itching episodes.
Regional importance and prevention
This warning is particularly important in the Arab and Gulf regions, where rates of diabetes and hypertension, the two leading causes of kidney failure, are high. Therefore, awareness of early symptoms such as chronic itching can contribute to early diagnosis, reducing the health and economic burdens associated with needing dialysis.
Treatment protocol and medical management
Regarding treatment methods, Dr. Shadi Amr emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive approach that begins with controlling the underlying disease causing kidney failure and regulating blood phosphorus levels through a special diet that reduces processed foods and soft drinks. He also advised using medical lubricants containing urea and resorting to advanced medications such as difelymphaticin or gabapentin under close medical supervision for advanced cases.
He concluded his remarks with an explicit call for anyone suffering from itching that has persisted for weeks without a clear skin cause to undergo kidney function tests immediately, stressing that early diagnosis is the first line of defense to protect what remains of kidney function and improve quality of life.
