Kidney Disease
Kidney doctors or nephrologists treat patients with kidney disease. However, nephrologist may work with a dermatologist when the kidney disease starts to affect the skin. There are certain skin conditions that may develop because of the kidney disease. For instance, patients with extremely itchy skin may not be able to sleep in the night.
Board certified dermatologists can help in such instances to bring relief to the patient. They may use the right balance of medication and moisturizers for treating the skin. Certain patients may get relief with UVB phototherapy.
Texas Surgical Dermatology, led by board certified dermatologist Dr. Tri H. Nugyen, provides safe and proven skin care procedures to patients in Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and surrounding locations.
How Does Kidney Disease Affect the Skin?
You may not notice early warning signs on the skin if you have kidney disease. However, the following conditions may develop as the disease progresses:
Extremely dry skin
Dry skin can cause the following symptoms:
- Rough and scaly skin
- Fish-like scales on the skin
- Cracked skin
Scratch marks on the skin
Constant itching can result in the following:
- Lichen simplex chronicus (thick and leathery skin)
- Raw and bleeding skin
- Sores
- Nodularis prurigo (itchy bumps)
Changes in skin color
When kidneys stop working as they should, toxins tend to build up in the body. This can cause changes in the color of your skin. You may notice the following changes:
- Gray hue
- Yellowish color
- An unhealthy pale color
- Darkened skin areas
- Spots and cysts appearing like whiteheads
- Thick, yellowish skin with deep lines and bumps
Nail changes
Kidney disease can impact the appearance of your toenails and fingernails. People with advanced kidney issues may develop:
- Pale nails
- White color on the upper part of the nails while the lower part remains normal (half-and-half nails)
- White bands across the nails (Muehrcke’s nails)
Swelling
Your kidneys are responsible for removing extra salt and fluids from the body. Salt and fluids tend to build up when the kidneys can’t do this anymore. This can cause swelling, which may become noticeable in the:
- Ankles
- Legs
- Hands
- Feet
- Face
Rash
A rash can develop when the kidneys are unable to remove waste from the body. Extremely itchy and dome shaped bumps may appear on the skin of people with end-stage kidney disease. New bumps may form as the old ones clear. In some cases, small sized bumps may join together for forming rough and raised patches.
Blisters
Blisters can develop in people with end-stage kidney disease. This can occur on the:
- Hands
- Feet
- Face
Scars may appear as the blisters open, dry and crust over.
Belly Lump
Lumps in the belly are usually seen as a sign of kidney cancer. Kidney cancer in the early stages seldom causes any symptoms. However, as the cancer advances, it may cause lumps on the:
- Lower back
- Belly
- Side
You should make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any lumps. Texas Surgical Dermatology, led by board certified dermatologist Dr. Tri H. Nguyen, receives patients from Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and nearby areas for innovative and advanced skin care treatments.
For More Information contact our Board Certified in Dermatologists at Texas Surgical Dermatology in Spring, TX
For more information on procedures and treatments offered at Texas Surgical Dermatology PA please call 832.663.6566 or click here to contact our dermatologists. Helping patients in Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, Katy and other surrounding areas of Texas.
