Question

What stage of Kidney disease causes itching?

Answer 1

Chronic kidney disease associated pruritus is referred to as uraemic pruritus. Uraemia is the presence of excessive urea in the blood. This condition takes place when both of the kidneys cease to work or renal failure. It impacts one-third of patients who are doing dialysis. It is more commonly occurring with hemodialysis than continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Complete answer:
The final stage of chronic kidney disease(CKD) is kidney failure. The condition is also referred to as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). If the kidneys in the body fail, they stop functioning and performing well enough for survival without kidney transplantation or dialysis. CKD usually gets worse in a gradual and slow manner. Symptoms may not appear until the kidneys are damaged badly. Symptoms can be noticed through the presence of waste and additional fluid build-up in the body during the early phases of CKD, when the body is approaching towards ESRD.
Advanced kidney disease can cause extremely itchy skin. The skin may itch all the time. The itch may range from irritation to disruption of life. Some experience itching on one part of the skin. But ultimately, itching can spread to most parts of the body. Pruritus is characterized by daily itching, which worsens at night and prevents sleep. The itch is localized to one area or generalized. Back, abdomen, head and arms are the most affected parts of the body. After the dialysis, itching is the lowest, but it peaks after two days of hemodialysis.
Pruritus is caused by dry skin, reduction in sweating, toxin accumulation, systemic inflammation and abnormal metabolism of phosphorus and calcium.

Note:
Pruritus is not related to age, sex, ethnicity, dialysis duration or cause of renal failure. Itching does not occur when pruritus is due to renal acute failure. When the kidneys are starting to fail, the following one or more symptoms can be noticed: Muscle cramps, vomiting and nausea, no hunger, swelling in ankle and feet, trouble in breathing and sleeping, itching and too much pee.