CKD & aP

I recently ran across an article on the Fresenius-sponsored app, Patient Hub. In the blurb, CKD and dry skin aka Pruritus were discussed. Further research indicates that as many as half of dialysis patients are blessed with aP. As such, it behooves those of us on PD to know more about this situation.

What is pruritus?

The general term pruritus means very itchy skin caused by a long-term disease, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD).

What is chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP)?

CKD-aP is very itchy skin that is most common in patients with advanced CKD and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), but it can also happen in the early stages of CKD. CKD-aP is also known as uremic pruritus because the build-up of toxins and wastes in damaged kidneys, known as uremia, has been associated with itching.  Recent scientific evidence suggests uremia is not the exclusive cause of itching in CKD.  As a result, the more appropriate name for this condition is CKD-aP.

CKD-aP can bother patients a lot and get in the way of daily life.  Scratching to stop the itch can harm the skin, so finding the right treatments is very important.  CKD-aP affects each person differently, so you need to work with your doctor and healthcare team to find what works best for you. Because CKD-aP is often ignored by both patients and their healthcare team, patients may not get the relief they need.  This can lead to loss of sleep, shorter or missed dialysis sessions, fatigue, depression, and infections, among other problems. 

On a personal level, I have experienced scaly or rough patches on my skin often on my head and legs. Since I am also a diabetic, this also factors in. Several years ago my dermatologist suggested I use a prescription ointment named Triamcinolone Acetonide (lead picture.) It has worked wonders for me dispatching sore spots and itching in short order.