High Phosphorus

[Nancy]

My dad has been on dialysis since May 2010. Has anyone heard of skin infection type lesions related to high phosphorus? We thought it was shingles but it's not. Good grief this is bad, their everywhere and they itch. He's on phosphorus pills. I would like to know if anyone has ever seen this before. Thanks

[Henry P Snicklesnorter]

.

[greg10]

Welcome to the forum Nancy.  Yes, itching and skin lesions can be very common with renal diseases.  It is most likely the combination of elevated calcium and phosphorus levels from kidney failure and insufficient dialysis.  You may need to reduce your phosphate and calcium intake, increase phosphorus binders and/or calcium mimetics (such as sensipar) to reduce both calcium and phosphorus.  Longer and slower dialysis treatment such as nocturnal hemodialysis can also reduce phosphorus levels.  There are other causes of itching, please consult your nephrologist.

"Calcium phosphate: The balance of calcium and phosphate is ruined in kidney
disease. Your phosphorus gets higher because your kidneys can't get rid of it.
When calcium and phosphate combine, they form crystals that deposit in your skin.
This irritates your nerves and causes itching."

http://www.nwkidney.org/kidneyInformation/basics/Itching.pdf

[Nancy]

Thank you, that helped.

[babycake]

nancy
that is pretty common
for my phosphorus level
has gone up and down
where i can tell the difference when im itiching and thats
when i know my level is high