Itchy skin is a common symptom of kidney disease, especially in the later stages. You may be able to manage it with home remedies, but medical treatments are also available.

Itching, or pruritus, is a common symptom in people with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those undergoing hemodialysis. You may also hear this referred to as CKD-associated pruritus or CKD-aP.

While a nephrologist or kidney doctor will likely oversee your treatment related to CKD, you may want to consult a dermatologist if you’re experiencing skin-related issues like itching or dry skin.

If you have CKD, you’re not alone in having questions about symptoms related to your condition. Many people living with CKD want to know why they experience itching, how long it will last, and what they can do to minimize the discomfort.

This article will answer common questions about CKD-related itching.

Scientists don’t fully understand why CKD causes itching. However, they have a few theories.

Your kidneys filter waste and toxins from your blood. With CKD, your kidneys don’t function as well as they should, allowing toxins to build up in your body.

Experts think these toxins can affect your nervous and immune systems, contributing to itching.

Experts divide kidney disease into five stages. In stage 1, signs of kidney damage start to appear, but the kidneys still function typically. Stage 5 represents kidney failure, also known as end stage renal disease (ESRD).

Each stage has various symptoms with degrees of severity. Itching is one of the many symptoms you may experience in the advanced stages of CKD. While it can happen at any stage, it’s less common in earlier stages.

According to a 2020 review, about 20% of people with CKD experience pruritus. However, about 40% of people with ESRD have pruritus. Other studies have found that as many as 87% of people with CKD or ESRD experience itching.

CKD-related itching varies from person to person. For example, itching may cause sporadic discomfort in some people or constant restlessness throughout the night and day in others.

In general, CKD-aP often affects the chest, face, and limbs, but it can appear anywhere on the body. It’s more common on both sides of the body, but can also be generalized or localized, like on the face.

CKD-aP can appear without any other skin disease, but often occurs in people who also have dry skin or xerosis (abnormally dry skin and membranes).

If you experience very dry skin in addition to itching, you may notice your skin is more prone to cracking and bleeding, which affects how your skin looks and feels.

Many people with CKD-aP experience sleep disruption and psychosocial symptoms, like depression or anxiety. These can contribute to a lower quality of life, according to a 2025 study.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to treating CKD-related itching. Some people may find help quickly, while others will run through all the treatment options only to feel minimal relief.

It’s critical to work with your kidney doctor along with a board certified dermatologist familiar with this type of itching.

Overall, doctors often treat CKD-aP with topical and systemic therapies.

Topical therapies may include:

Systemic therapies may include:

In 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a drug to treat moderate to severe itching in people with CKD who are undergoing dialysis. Korsuva, an injection administered three times a week after each dialysis session, is the first therapy approved by the FDA specifically aimed at treating CKD-related itching.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, itching sometimes occurs because you have too much phosphorus in your blood. If this is the case, your doctor may recommend eating less food with phosphorus, such as beans, nuts, milk, and meat.

Alternatively, your doctor may prescribe a medication you can take with meals called a phosphate binder.

In addition to treatments specific to CKD-aP, you may find relief by following general guidelines for itch prevention and treatment. During a flare-up, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends the following:

  • Use a cooling agent like calamine or menthol on the affected areas.
  • Apply a layer of fragrance-free moisturizer.
  • Place an ice pack or cold, wet cloth on the itchy skin for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Try a soothing oatmeal bath.

You can also take preventive measures to help minimize itchy skin. Here are some tips from the AAD:

  • Always use lukewarm water when showering or bathing.
  • Opt for fragrance-free products like soaps, lotions, and detergents — anything that comes into direct contact with your skin.
  • Dress in loose-fitting cotton clothing.
  • Try to avoid extremely dry environments.

Itching, or pruritus, is a common occurrence in the advanced stages of CKD and in people undergoing hemodialysis.

Pruritus can be challenging to treat. But a doctor or healthcare professional can recommend prescription and over-the-counter remedies that may help reduce the severity and give you some much-needed relief.