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Author Topic: Just the Facts: Skin and Hair Problems on Dialysis  (Read 5203 times)
okarol
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« on: February 11, 2008, 05:48:30 PM »

Just the Facts: Skin and Hair Problems on Dialysis

How does dialysis affect my skin?
Many people on dialysis have skin changes.
The skin may seem more fragile—it may
bruise or even tear easily. Dry, itching, or
cracking skin is common.
Some skin problems can be small. Others
can make you feel bad about yourself or even
cause you to not want to be seen by others.
The good news is, many skin problems can
be helped.

Why do I bruise more easily?
You may bruise easily if your dose of
blood thinner (heparin) is too high. Or, easy
bruising can occur if your blood level of
platelets—clotting cells—is too low.With
too few platelets, you might also have
bleeding gums. Some drugs, like prednisone
or coumadin, can increase bruising.

Why does my skin itch all the time?
Itching has many causes, so you will need
to be a detective. Often, itching is caused
by high blood levels of phosphorus. In your
body, extra phosphorus can bind with calcium
to form sharp, itchy crystals. Taking your
phosphate binders with food can help.
Other causes of itching include not enough
dialysis, or dry skin. Long, hot baths that
strip skin oils and alcohol-based products
may dry the skin as well.

Why do I itch only at dialysis?
If you only itch on dialysis, an allergy may
be the cause. One type of heparin (e.g., pork)
might make you itch, while another does not.
Or bleach used to clean the chair may be to
blame. Try putting a towel on the chair, or
alert the dialysis staff.
 
Why is my skin so fragile?
Skin that rips at the slightest bump, with
purple or brown, itchy blisters can be a
sign of a skin disease called “porphyria”
(por-feer’-ee-a). This problem can be
treated by a skin specialist.
 
Why is my hair falling out?
Hair is made of protein. If you become
malnourished, a few months later your hair
may break more easily and fall out. Eating
enough good protein will help, but it takes a
couple of months to see a change. Ask your
dietitian about good protein sources.
Hair loss can also be caused by thyroid
problems, zinc deficiency, drug reactions,
and other problems. Some patients have
had hair loss when the unit changes the type
of dialyzer (kidney) used. Talk with your
doctor about this, or ask for a referral to
a skin doctor.

How can I treat my skin and hair problems?
Problem                                                         How can I prevent it?                               What should I ask?

Every time I bump                                       •Make sure you know how much                 •Do you think my heparin
into something, I get                                     heparin you should get, to be                    dose is causing me to
a big bruise.                                                 sure you receive the right dose.                  bruise easily?
                                                                •Ask your doctor about your                       •Is my platelet level
                                                                 platelet count or coumadin level                  (or InR) what it should be?
                                                                 (called InR) if you are on coumadin.

This itching is                                              •Try to figure out what is causing               •Can you suggest some
driving me crazy!                                           the itching. Is it better at some                   things I could try to help
                                                                  times than others? What helps                    stop the itching?
                                                                  or makes it worse? Does your                    •Are there any prescription
                                                                  skin look normal, or different?                    lotions that you think
                                                                 •Try a few over-the-counter lotions               would help?
                                                                   to see if one works for you.                     •Do you have samples
                                                                   Some patients find that coconut                I could try, so I can find
                                                                   oil is soothing.                                       one that works before 
                                                                  •Ask your doctor about lotions                   I have to pay for it?
                                                                   that might help.
                                                                  •Ask your doctor if an
                                                                   antihistamine would help.

I feel too ugly to                                            •Talk to your doctor as soon as                •I don’t think my skin
go out. My skin is                                            you notice a skin problem that                 problem is normal, even
cracked and blistered.                                      affects how you feel about                       for dialysis patients. Can
                                                                    yourself.                                               you write me a referral
                                                                   •Ask for a referral to a skin doctor.             to a skin doctor?

What can I do while                                        •Treat your hair gently—avoid                  •Could you please check
I wait for my hair                                             harsh perms or colors.                             my thyroid levels?
to grow back in?                                            •Don’t use tight rubber bands.                  •What is my protein
                                                                   •Ask a stylist for tips to hide                      (albumin) level? (It should
                                                                    thinning hair.                                         be at least 4.0 g/dL.)
                                                                   •Be sure to eat the right amount
                                                                    of protein—talk to your dietitian.
                                                                   •Try to figure out what is causing
                                                                     the problem for you.
           
from: www.lifeoptions.org/catalog/pdfs/teaching/SkinAndHair.pdf
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Admin for IHateDialysis 2008 - 2014, retired.
Jenna is our daughter, bad bladder damaged her kidneys.
Was on in-center hemodialysis 2003-2007.
7 yr transplant lost due to rejection.
She did PD Sept. 2013 - July 2017
Found a swap living donor using social media, friends, family.
New kidney in a paired donation swap July 26, 2017.
Her story ---> https://www.facebook.com/WantedKidneyDonor
Please watch her video: http://youtu.be/D9ZuVJ_s80Y
Living Donors Rock! http://www.livingdonorsonline.org -
News video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-7KvgQDWpU
paris
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« Reply #1 on: February 11, 2008, 06:09:53 PM »

Great information. Lots of information and answers.  Thanks Okarol.  You do such a great job of taking care of us!
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charee
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« Reply #2 on: February 11, 2008, 06:22:43 PM »

thanks karol great info :2thumbsup;
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Royal Prince Alfred Sydney Australia

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NVRWKN
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« Reply #3 on: February 11, 2008, 07:12:51 PM »

Thank you!  Now I know it's not just me.   
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kitkatz
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« Reply #4 on: February 12, 2008, 06:21:10 AM »

This is going to sound crazy, but Dove soap is wonderful for the dry skin itchies.  I tried it because Okarol suggested it and the itchies have pretty much gone away.  Thank you Okarol!
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lifenotonthelist.com

Ivanova: "Old Egyptian blessing: May God stand between you and harm in all the empty places you must walk." Babylon 5

Remember your present situation is not your final destination.

Take it one day, one hour, one minute, one second at a time.

"If we don't find a way out of this soon, I'm gonna lose it. Lose it... It means go crazy, nuts, insane, bonzo, no longer in possession of ones faculties, three fries short of a Happy Meal, wacko!" Jack O'Neill - SG-1
rose1999
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« Reply #5 on: February 12, 2008, 08:29:27 AM »

Kitkatz - at the risk of sounding VERY stupid - do you use it wet or dry??  I mean do you wash with it or just rub it in when it itches?  See I said it was going to sound stupid! :lol;  But Dad really itches although his phosphorous levels are good and nothing seems to help.
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kitkatz
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« Reply #6 on: February 12, 2008, 03:42:25 PM »

That is not a stupid question.  I would not leave soap on the skin because it might irritate it. I use the soap in the shower. Karol says the regular bar soap is fine, but I use the dove shower stuff.  It helped tremendously with the dry skin.
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lifenotonthelist.com

Ivanova: "Old Egyptian blessing: May God stand between you and harm in all the empty places you must walk." Babylon 5

Remember your present situation is not your final destination.

Take it one day, one hour, one minute, one second at a time.

"If we don't find a way out of this soon, I'm gonna lose it. Lose it... It means go crazy, nuts, insane, bonzo, no longer in possession of ones faculties, three fries short of a Happy Meal, wacko!" Jack O'Neill - SG-1
KT0930
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« Reply #7 on: February 12, 2008, 05:19:44 PM »

If the Dove or other moisturizing soap is not enough, my husband found some great stuff at CVS. Beware, it's kind of expensive (about $20.00-$30.00 for 4 oz of lotion and 8 oz of cleansing lotion), but it WORKS!

It's called Remedy, and it's made by Medline. The active ingredient is Dimethicone, and the bottles brag about having Olivamine in them, whatever that is! Wash with the cleanser in the shower, then use the lotion.
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"Dialysis ain't for sissies" ~My wonderful husband
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I received a 6 out of 6 antigen match transplant on January 9, 2008. Third transplant, first time on The List.
rose1999
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« Reply #8 on: February 12, 2008, 11:15:24 PM »

Thanks both, for the info and for not making me feel stupid  :2thumbsup; - I love this site, no one judges anyone.  Thanks everyone  :thumbup;
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