Dialysis therapy affects the lifestyle of guests in several ways. Often, we focus on pain, intervals between dialysis therapy sessions, and fluid intake; however, many overlook the impact on the skin.
Most dialysis guests experience dry skin conditions. This is called uremic pruritus. Discomfort, dryness, and itchiness can be experienced on any part of the body, at any time of the day. Though each guest might experience dryness and itching on different parts of the body, it’s important to understand its causes and remedies.
Causes of dry and itchy skin:
Multiple factors lead to dry and itchy skin. Some of the common issues are as follows:
Restricted fluid intake:
Dialysis therapy removes extra fluid from the body. In addition, guests are supposed to maintain a limited fluid intake between treatments. This leads to dryness due to minimum hydration.
Phosphorus levels:
Frequently, itching arises due to elevated phosphorus levels in the bloodstream. Excess phosphorus in the system can combine with calcium, resulting in an itchy sensation.
Irregular dialysis:
Dialysis guests must discuss their symptoms with their healthcare team and determine whether they’re receiving the appropriate dialysis dosage. Sometimes, receiving either too much or too little dialysis can result in symptoms such as dry, itchy skin.
Allergies:
Guests must ensure that they are not sensitive to the soaps, laundry detergents, lotions, or perfumes they use. Occasionally, the dyes and fragrances in these products can trigger allergic reactions, resulting in itchy skin. Additionally, bathing with excessively hot water can cause the skin to become overly dry and contribute to itchiness.
Some useful tips for the guests:
– Attempt to pinpoint the source of the itching by noting variations in its intensity over time. Consider what factors alleviate or exacerbate the itching. Keep the healthcare team informed about any changes you observe or feel in your skin.
-Discover an effective skincare routine that includes daily cleansing and moisturising. Consult the healthcare team to determine which moisturisers are most suitable to alleviate your symptoms.
-Avoid scratching the skin! Scratching can exacerbate itching and potentially harm the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
-Adhere to the dietary plan provided by the healthcare team, and remember to take your phosphate binders as prescribed.
Prioritising holistic approaches to skincare, including addressing circulation concerns, complements traditional treatments and fosters a more comprehensive approach to managing skin health in dialysis guests. Simple solutions will go a long way for uremic pruritus. To learn more about different dialysis-related topics click here. To connect with experts at NephroPlus, click here.