While the kidneys are vital to the functioning of the body, the skin is the largest organ in the body; therefore, kidney problems can manifest themselves in the skin tissue
Very important to the body, the kidneys are responsible for regulating blood pressure, clearing metabolic byproducts, regulating extracellular fluid volume and composition, among other functions. “In this sense, partial or total damage to the structure and function of the kidneys also generates clinical signs in the skin and hair, since the skin tissue is the largest organ in the body and reflects problems in the internal organs”says the nephrologist Dr Carolina Reigada.
“We must always be aware of these signs to identify kidney problems and initiate appropriate treatment,” adds the doctor. The following are the main skin symptoms that something is wrong with the kidneys:
Drying: This is the most common dermatologic manifestation in patients with some degree of renal dysfunction.
“This type of alteration affects almost 80% of cases. Studies directly and proportionally relate the atrophy of the sebaceous glands and the intensity of dryness and itching in the group of patients with kidney disease. This process explains, at least in part, the high indices of xeroderma and the varying degree of itching presented in patients with chronic kidney disease.says Dr. Carolina.
Pallor: Almost 60% of nephropathic patients have pallor, a sign linked to anemia and important for diagnosis, as it occurs early.
“Healthy kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the marrow to produce the appropriate number of red blood cells. These blood cells deliver oxygen to vital organs. When the kidney is diseased, it may not produce this hormone efficiently, it will affect the skin , which will have a pale tint, which can be seen on close examination in the eyes and in the palm and foot regions“explains Dr. Caroline.
Itching: Pruritus (pruritus), in 50% of cases, indicates the presence of an underlying systemic disease and should always be evaluated.
“Patients with chronic renal failure may complain of intense itching in the more advanced stages of the disease. This symptom deserves thorough investigation and is generally associated with dry skin and decreased sweating. Ultraviolet radiation is indicated as a good therapeutic option for a long-lasting systemic effect. One explanation is that phototherapy would have anti-inflammatory and neuromodulatory effects, which would improve the itching sensation. Moisturizers only have a palliative effect.”
Hyperpigmentation: Spots that appear throughout the body in a widespread manner are also related to chronic kidney failure.
We list some skin signs related to kidney problems
“In the disease, patients are expected to have high levels of an organic molecule, porphyrin, which accumulates in plasma and skin. These proteins absorb sunlight, activating and energizing melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) , with the release of free radicals. These processes lead to the appearance of yellowish-brown pigmentation in the skin”, explains Dr. Caroline.
Alopecia: The nephrologist clarifies that the hair of patients with renal insufficiency is, in general, dry, brittle and prone to falling out. “This occurs due to the atrophy of the sebaceous glands typical of the disease and the potentially toxic accumulation of metabolites in the hair root cells,” says the doctor.
Oral mucosa alterations: Dryness of the oral mucosa is also a symptom observed in 30% of patients and is attributed to mouth breathing and dehydration.
“Inflammation and fissures in the lips and ulcers in the region have also been described, but none of these changes are unique to renal failure, and it is possible that they all occur in situations of immunosuppression or other chronic systemic disease,” says dr. Caroline Reigada.
Half and half nails: The presence of split and half nails is a typical symptom of chronic renal failure, which occurs in 20-50% of cases, when half of the nail is white, and the other half is pink or red-brown.
The doctor explains that the treatment must be multidisciplinary, with the help of the nephrologist and the dermatologist, to treat skin changes that also interfere with the patient’s well-being.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
