Discover 9 skin signs that may indicate kidney damage, including itchy skin, rashes, and swelling. Learn early detection tips to protect your kidney health.
Skin changes can be an early warning sign of kidney issues. Often, these changes appear after kidney problems have been present for a while. Early detection and treatment are crucial for maintaining kidney health.
Studies show that over 800 million people worldwide may experience chronic kidney disease. If you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity, or if you suspect kidney problems, look out for these skin signs. The article 9 skin signs that may indicate kidney damage also provides tips for keeping your skin healthy.
Before we begin, please note that all the information here is created by real people, thoroughly fact-checked, unbiased, and reviewed by qualified professionals. Some skin changes are specific to kidney disease, while others may be associated with various medical conditions.
Let’s explore these important signs together.
Watch video: 9 Skin Signs That May Indicate Kidney Damage
1. Itchy Skin (Pruritus)
Itchy skin is a common symptom among people with kidney damage, affecting up to 40% of those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). But what causes this itchiness? When kidneys can’t filter out waste properly, urea builds up in the blood. This accumulation leads to uremic pruritus, the medical term for itching due to kidney disease. Itchy skin can appear anywhere on the body but commonly affects the back, legs, and arms. It tends to worsen with sweat, dry skin, and heat.

While it might sound mild, the itchiness can be intense and persistent, significantly impacting quality of life. Severe pruritus can lead to excessive scratching, causing more skin problems. Scratching may result in scrapes, thickened, leathery skin, or raised bumps. Continuous scratching can cause bleeding lesions, making the skin more vulnerable to infections.
2. Rashes
Rashes are another common skin sign in people with kidney damage, often due to the poor elimination of toxins. Acquired perforating dermatosis is a type of rash seen in individuals with end-stage kidney damage, characterized by small, pigmented, itchy bumps with a scaling center. These bumps usually appear on the arms and legs but can also be found on the trunk, scalp, and buttocks. As the bumps heal, new ones may form, creating lesions in various healing stages, sometimes merging into larger patches. Though these rashes are often itchy, scratching should be avoided to prevent worsening the condition.

3. Blisters
Blisters can also occur in people with kidney damage, appearing as fluid-filled sacs on exposed areas like the backs of the hands, forearms, and less commonly, the feet and face. Kidney damage is just one possible cause of blisters, which can also result from infections, medications, poor diet, and heavy alcohol intake. Blisters associated with kidney damage vary in size and severity and may be accompanied by pain, redness, and swelling. When they heal, they often dry up, form a crust, and peel away, usually leaving a scar and skin discoloration.
4. Calcium Deposits
Calciphylaxis is one of the most severe skin conditions related to kidney damage. It occurs when calcium builds up in small blood vessels, causing painful sores and ulcers. This rare but serious condition affects up to 4% of dialysis patients and needs immediate medical attention. The exact cause of calciphylaxis is unclear, but several factors increase the risk: high blood calcium levels, long-term dialysis, obesity, and certain medications. Patients with calciphylaxis describe painful, pink or purple bumps or plaques that develop into deep, painful ulcers covered with black crusts, typically found on the abdomen, buttocks, and legs. Another type of calcium accumulation, calcinosis cutis, involves firm white nodules near joints that may break through the skin, releasing a white chalky discharge. These nodules are usually not painful unless located in the fingers or toes.
5. Dry Skin (Xerosis)
Dry skin, or xerosis, is a common skin sign of kidney damage, although it can be caused by many other conditions. It affects 50 to 80 percent of individuals on dialysis. Causes include poor hydration, decreased sweat gland activity, high vitamin A levels, and long-term use of diuretics. Xerosis typically occurs in those with long-term kidney damage and on dialysis, leading to dry, rough, and scaly skin. People with xerosis may also experience tight skin that easily cracks, providing entry points for bacteria.

6. Swelling
The kidneys have many functions, one of the most important being the elimination of excess water and salt from our bodies. When kidneys are damaged, they might not eliminate water and salt properly. This can lead to fluid build-up, causing swelling and puffiness, especially in the hands, feet, and face. If your legs feel puffier than usual, press them with your finger to see if it leaves an indentation, called pitting edema. If you experience swelling and puffiness, it’s important to see your healthcare provider to have your kidney function evaluated.
7. Changes in Skin Color
Kidney damage can lead to a build-up of waste products in your bloodstream, which may cause your skin to change color, often with a gray or yellow hue. This discoloration results from toxins not being filtered and excreted in the urine. Skin hyperpigmentation may also occur due to a buildup of melanin, appearing as a dark brown color. Skin pallor (paleness) is commonly observed in individuals with chronic kidney disease, caused by anemia. Another skin discoloration related to kidney damage is uremic frost, a white, powdery substance left on the skin’s surface after sweat dries. Excessive scratching may also change the color or texture of your skin.

8. Nail Disorders
Many medical conditions can cause nail changes, including kidney disorders. In a study of 100 patients, nail changes were found in 60% of individuals with CKD. In another study of 101 patients with severe renal disease who were on dialysis, hair, mucosal, and nail disorders were found in 23 to 45% of the patients. On your finger or toenails, you may notice one white transverse band, called Mees’ line, or multiple bands, called Muehrcke’s lines. These can appear in people with kidney damage due to stress or low protein levels in their blood. Another frequent finding is the ‘half and half’ nail disorder, also known as ‘Lindsay’ nails, characterized by a brownish color at the top of the nails from increased melanin, and a white or pink color at the bottom of the nails due to an increased number of small blood vessels. Less common changes are splinter hemorrhages, which are small, red, or brown lines under the nails that resemble splinters. They can be a sign of underlying health issues, including kidney damage, and are caused by small blood clots that damage the capillaries under the nails. Keeping nails trimmed and moisturized can reduce the risk of nail disorders.
9. Hair Disorders
One of the most troubling symptoms for individuals with kidney damage is hair loss, known as alopecia. This condition can impact self-esteem and quality of life. Hair loss can result from several factors associated with kidney disease:
Nutritional deficiencies: Kidney damage often leads to imbalances in essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron and zinc, which are critical for healthy hair growth.
Hormonal imbalances: The kidneys regulate many different hormones that affect hair growth. When the kidneys are not working properly, it can lead to hormone dysregulations, which can affect hair growth cycles.
Medications: Some medications prescribed for kidney disease, including certain blood pressure medications and immunosuppressants, can contribute to hair thinning and loss.
Dehydration and dialysis treatment can strip hair of natural oils, making it more dry and brittle. It is important to remember that hair loss and hair shedding can occur from a variety of medical conditions. If you are experiencing a sudden increase in hair shedding or patches of alopecia, see your healthcare professional to help determine the cause.
Conclusion about 9 skin signs that may indicate kidney damage
Recognizing skin signs that may indicate kidney damage is crucial for early detection and effective management. Symptoms like itchy skin, rashes, blisters, calcium deposits, dry skin, swelling, changes in skin color, nail disorders, and hair loss can provide important clues about your kidney health.
Itchy skin, rashes, and blisters often signal a build-up of waste products due to kidney issues. Serious conditions like calciphylaxis require immediate medical attention. Common signs like dry skin and swelling highlight hydration and fluid balance problems. Changes in skin color, nail disorders, and hair loss, especially if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity, are important to note.
Early intervention can improve outcomes. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider promptly. Blood and urine tests can diagnose kidney issues and help develop a treatment plan. Nephrologists and dermatologists can work together to manage skin-related symptoms.
Lifestyle changes are essential. Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, use gentle skincare products, avoid hot showers and harsh soaps, and protect your skin from the sun. These steps can enhance your quality of life and skin health.
Stay vigilant and proactive. Early detection and proper management are key to maintaining healthy kidneys and overall well-being.