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Treatment for Renal Failure & Pruritus

Doctors generally associate pruritus, a term that means "itch" and can sometimes be so sever it's disabling, with systemic diseases, including chronic renal failure.

  1. Renal Pruritus

    • Chronic renal failure (CRF) is the progressive loss of kidney function. Pruritus may be a side-symptom of CRF, especially in patients who receive hemodialysis (HD).

    The Cause

    • The most common treatment for renal pruritus is to treat the cause--chronic renal failure--thereby eliminating the link to pruritus all together. Among the treatments for CRF are diet restrictions, loss of excess weight, blood pressure and diabetes regulation and herbal remedies.

    Topical

    • Treatment for renal pruritus on the skin may include a cool shower or cool compress, calamine lotion, menthol lotion, emollient for dry skin, or a mild topical corticosteroid.

    Medication

    • Severe renal pruritus may require oral medications. Among the possible oral treatments are aspirin, Doxepin or amitriptyline, antihistamines, anti-epileptic drugs, thalidomide, or Opioid antagonists.

    Other Treatments

    • Avoiding clothing that causes irritation as well as situations that cause you to overheat or sweat can help keep renal pruritus under control. Additionally, certain spices or drinks (such as caffeine and alcohol) can instigate itching. Keep fingernails clean to avoid infection and, if you must scratch, try to do so by rubbing the area with your palm.

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