Itchy legs

I should have mentioned that I sometimes have to take an antihistamine for seasonal allergies. I've noticed that when I do any itching I am feeling due to my decreased kidney function decreased or goes away entirely. I rarely take the antihistamine--but my nephrologist and primary care physician have both said it was safe for me to take a dose of Claritin as needed. (I usually use saline nasal rinse for my allergies as I know it is totally safe for my kidneys; but occasionally it isn't sufficient. Then I will use regular Claritin for a day or two.

Marj

Karen,

I have had auto immune diseases all my life but that doesn't mean that what works for me will work for you. I have struggled with pruritis for MANY years but during the past year when it flared up I found that my feet and the bottom of my legs itched like crazy. I can take some bad pain but the itching was harder for me to handle. My Dr put me on 1.2 mg of vit D2 once a week, 500mg hit C, and 400iu of vit E twice a day after my last visit.   I think it was the vit D that made the difference. maybe the combination, I am no Dr so I can't say. But I do know that I no longer have itching. I would check with your nephrologists before taking ANYTHING, especially since you have an autoimmune disease. I am stage 4 egfr 22.

You may have too much phosphorus in your body. Get Sevelamer Carbonate tablets to relieve the itching. Take them with any protein,, beef,, chicken, pork or fish. Also take them when you eat any milk products like milk, cheese, cocoa, chocolate candy. You take them when you drink beer or other alcohol or wine

By doing this, it may reduce your itching.

Otherwise, you may need a moisture lotion, wet your legs before applying. I use a lotion that ends with the letters--phil. It was recommended by my diabetes nurse. This site does not allow any product name,but I assume you can find other lotions that may help.

If you have access to a diabetic doctor, they can recommend a lotion to use.

Also a antihistamine, can reduce itching and there are over the counter,items than also help. You can ask any pharmacy technician, what can stop itching. They will gladly direct you to a product.

Sevelamer Carbonate is a generic. product but there are also brand names for the same thing. My insurance stopped supplying me with the brand name but I found out it didn't matter.

Hope you will take my advice.

I was in the last stages of kidney failure, so I know what I am talking about.

I am currently on dialysis, mainly because I have 2 genetic kidney diseases. Minimal Change Disease and FSGS focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

Unable to get a kidney transplant. due to a circulation problem. I had an amputation on my left leg due to lost of circulation in my toes. On my right foot, I lost circulation in my toes, so they were removed, too.

Most kidney patients may not have a genetic kidney disorder.

I hope you take my advice It may. be only a suggestio, but it could help with your itching. Good luck

So Karen, it could be a high level of phosphorus in your blood - dairy,nuts and cola drinks are high in phosphorus.  Try cutting back.  Here is an article with more information that might help:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/food-and-nutrition/expert-answers/faq-20058408