Kidney disease itching is more than just an itch
On the surface, it’s just an itch. But underneath it’s so much more. Here are some of the ways your kidney disease itch can affect your life.
HOW IT MIGHT AFFECT
Your sleep
Many patients with CKD say that itchy skin interferes with sleeping through the night.1,2 This can make you feel tired during the day, affecting work, social and family life.3
I MEAN I’M SCRATCHING ALL THE TIME, YOU CAN’T HELP IT. I CAN’T SLEEP AT NIGHT BECAUSE IT’S THERE TWENTY-FOUR HOURS A DAY. SO, YOU CAN’T GET SETTLED IN SLEEP AT ALL.
UK patient living with kidney disease4
Sleep is essential because it helps your mind and body to repair and recharge, so you are ready for the day ahead. It’s important to prioritise sleep and talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are struggling.5
HOW IT MIGHT AFFECT
Your relationships
If you feel embarrassed about scratching in front of others or worried that people will pass judgement on the appearance of your skin, you are not alone.3,6
MY SOCIAL LIFE HAS BEEN AFFECTED BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY WHEN YOU’RE AROUND OTHERS, AND IF YOU’RE CONSTANTLY ITCHY, IT MAKES THEM FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE, AS WELL AS YOURSELF. SO I’VE STOPPED GOING OUT. I DON’T GO OUT MUCH. I AVOID BEING AROUND PEOPLE, BECAUSE THIS CAN COME UP ANYTIME.
Patient living with kidney disease for over a year4
Remember that perception is personal and how other people see you isn’t the same as how you view yourself. So, whilst you may be aware of your itch, other people may not even notice.7
HOW IT MIGHT AFFECT
Your mental health
Living with kidney disease can put a strain on your mental health.8
Dealing with your kidney disease itching on top of this can make things worse, especially if you have been struggling to get support. Combined with lack of sleep and isolation, you might start feeling low.6,9
IT MAKES YOU FEEL REALLY LOW AND YOU LOOK AT YOURSELF AS THOUGH YOU’RE NOT WORTH IT, AND YOU JUST FEEL BAD ABOUT YOURSELF
Patient living with kidney disease for over a year4
Everybody feels down sometimes, but depression is a persistent low mood. It can affect how you think, feel, behave, and stop you from enjoying life.10,11
If you are struggling with your mental health, talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice and support.
Living with kidney disease and itchy skin can feel overwhelming,
but remember that you are not alone.
SPEAK OUT, BE HEARD
If your itch is affecting your life, don’t suffer in silence. Help is out there, if you ask for it.
Find out more