5 signs of Kidney damage that appear on the skin

Dry skin tops the list of kidney disease signs that show up on the skin. In CKD patients, up to 72% face xerosis, making skin rough, scaly, and tight. Since kidneys control sweat and oil glands; poor function dries them out. This worsens with disease stage, hitting dialyzed kids harder than early cases.

The itch from dryness leads to cracks and infections. One study of 100 CKD patients found xerosis most common, ahead of pallor or itch. To tackle this, moisturize daily to ease it, but see a doctor for kidney checks. Another review notes dry skin scales like fish and cracks are commonly seen in advanced CKD. Early tests catch it before skin worsens – to counter this, drink plenty of water to fight dryness from inside. Avoid hot showers that strip natural oils further. Wear cotton clothes to let skin breathe, and reduce irritation.