Itchy on the machine

[502Blues]

does anybody itch all over,even in weird places when on the dialysis machine. My phosphorous level is always within acceptable range if not low so It cant be that. I only itch like that when im atdialyss

[kimcanada]

Since I have been on dialysis I have been non-stop itchy,  but just my back... 24/7  the nurses say that it is because of my creatinine levels

[aharris2]

502, do they offer benadryl at your unit? Others can clarify this, but I believe I've read about mild allergies to what they use to treat reusable filters causing itching while on dialysis and benadryl being used to treat it - are you allowing reuse?

[502Blues]

Yes and I have tred benedryl but that didnt help. We do allow reuse

[del]

Have the doctors tried a different filter on your machine??? Some people are allergic to some filters and have to use a different one to get the itching to stop. Worth asking the docs about!!  I have known some people who itched uncontrollably until a different filter was used on their machine and then they were fine.

[502Blues]

Thanks for that info,I will ask about it

[monrein]

I'm not sure about this but I seem to recall reading somewhere that some people are allergic to the chemical used to sterilize the dialyzers for reuse.  I can't remember exactly what the reaction was but I wonder if you could try going to single use even for a bit to see if that has anything to do with the itching.  Very odd that it's only when you're at the unit but it would make sense if it's a result of the chemical.

[RightSide]

I have spasms of itchiness at night and sometimes during the day.  My neph blames that on my high parathyroid (PTH), mine is triple the reference range currently.

But beyond that, yes, the dialysis makes me go into an itching spasm right there.  It seems to be a combination of factors, the heparin (which we stopped), and other things we haven't figured out yet.  Benadryl seems to help me get through the session somewhat.

[lilac]

i was wonderin if u could suggest somethin to me im on dialysis for about 10 years and havent had any problems till now i itch on the dialysis machine for the whole 3 hours and then when i get home i itch all night and cant sleep due to the itchin

[peleroja]

Now that you mention it, I realized I constantly feel like there is something crawling on me while on dialysis.  I have in fact killed 6 ants this week while at dialysis.  I haven't figured out if I'm bringing them with me or the center has a problem.  No one else has complained about ants.  I have found some on the side tables and some actually crawling on me.  Yuck!

[kitkatz]

I would be up and outa there quick. I hate ants!

[RightSide]

i was wonderin if u could suggest somethin to me im on dialysis for about 10 years and havent had any problems till now i itch on the dialysis machine for the whole 3 hours and then when i get home i itch all night and cant sleep due to the itchin

Are you sure it's itching and not tingling?  Tingling is more a sign of a neuropathy condition.  And for that, even pain relievers like extra-strength Tylenol have given me relief.

For actual itching, I have found that topical capsaicin lotion (e.g., Capzaicin) produces a sensation of heat that overrides the itchy feeling.  Use it on the itchiest parts of your body.

[502Blues]

OMG, ANTS!! that would creep me out, I'd be really itching then

[RightSide]

I saw one medical study that claimed that the reason why dialysis can instigate itching, is that the dialysis forces the faster flow of all those electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, etc.) through your blood.  And since these are charged ions, the faster flow of these charged particles sets up tiny electrical currents in your body that can exacerbate a subclinical neuropathy.  If anyone's interested, I'll try to dig it out and provide the reference.

If that study is right, then perhaps slowing down the flow rate during dialysis will ease the itching.  But that will make the dialysis less efficient.