Itchy skin
Tonight I woke myself up clawing at my skin from top to bottom, does anyone have the itchy skin with their CKD? If so what do you use to control it? I’m allergic to benadryl so I can’t take it.
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i so feel your pain i have suffered and continue to suffer 5 years know and counting my pain management dr prescribed the above paided over 100 for it it did not work tjis is a neuropathy not allergy
@ EVERYBODY!!! Itch No More! I have found and used Aquaphor and Vaseline spray lotions and can finally reach THAT area between my shoulder blades! And more importantly, they work! I am so happy and had to share it with all of you. I certainly hope this information will help at least a few of you.
I use Allegra;other s use Aveeno or another steroid.
and that diagnosis is bull crap and we all know it THEY DONT KNOW
I read the medical studies on pruritis as best I can. Some studies have shown benefit from capsaicin. There is an arthritis cream called CAPZASIN-HP. The problem is that the first week or so of using it burns! I used it on my healthy skin and it did burn, but not too uncomfortably. My husband hasn’t used it yet because of his thin skin, so I can’t say whether it works or not for pruritis.
The itch is usually attributed to high levels of phosphorus in those with impaired kidney function or on dialysis. However, phosphorus may be within normal range and still have the itch. We do home hemo-dialysis four times a week for a total of twelve hours – the Medicare standard.
My husband has no kidney function, as his transplanted kidney was killed by Keytruda. Ironically it was the immunosuppressants for the transplanted kidney which caused the Squamous Cell Carcinoma which the Keytruda has stopped for now. His last two PET scans were clear.
@gaybinator I have had the best relief from itching by using Dove Brand Body Wash for sensitive skin. I use an exfoliating nylon scrub towel in the shower and dab myself dry. If I am alone I apply one of the spray-on lotions immediately; either Aquiphor or Vaseline brands. If my husband is home he will apply Sarna for sensitive skin or a menthol lotion (Gold Bond or Wal-Mart brand) for me. I also have reduced my full showers to twice a week and just wash up my armpits, genitals and feet on the other days. I have heard bathing in baking soda, Epsom salts or oatmeal helps, but I don't like baths much and have not tried them. I have also had oatmeal soap recommended but have not tried that either. Your husband should be able to use anything I have mentioned because none of them are harsh. Prayers for comfort and healing.
@glinda, @contentandwell , @hopeful33250
I want to invite you to this conversation where there is a discussion about itchy skin that might interest you.
Rosemary
Hello @megwill100
Dealing with that kind of itching is very disturbing, especially to your sleep! I hope that your doctor is able to give you some help.
While I don't have CKD, I do have patches of very dry skin that resembles snake skin. It often does not itch, but just very rough. I use a prescription cream (triamcinolone) which is a steroid cream and hydrocortisone cream. It works quite well.
I hope you get some relief. I would like to hear from you again and see what has worked for you.
Teresa
I have been told that both CKD and Diabetes can cause itching. I take Allegra twice a day, including at night about 9-10 PM.
He has tried all of the above except Vaseline spray. Never seen or heard of it.
@beverlynm Were the phosphorus levels normal before you started taking the binders?
That is too bad. I really only went after the sprays because my worst itching was right in the middle of my back where I could not reach. I tried different "wands" and things, but the best is still to have someone else do it for me. I drink 2-3 liters of water each day also. I hope you find some relief soon. I know how miserable it is to want to peel your skin off.