Could my SEVERE itching be caused by a high blood-phosphate level?

Asked by minniemau5 (432

) February 26th, 2011

I am not trying to self-diagnose; I have an appointment with my family physician on Wednesday. I just want an idea of what this could be. I am 18 years old, kidney cancer survivor (had one kidney removed and the other seems to be declining in function). I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with “Microalbuminuria” or something alone those lines, basically protein in the urine. But she didn’t give me a reason for it. Now, for the past few weeks, I’ve been experiencing SEVERE generalized itching all over my body – from the soles of my feet all the way up to my scalp. Do you think a high phosphate (or phosphorus) level could be causing this? I drink a LOT of milk and dairy products, and a lot of pop also. I’m just really afraid that my kidney is failing or something, and at 18 years old, I really don’t want to have to go on dialysis!

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3 Answers

I’m not sure about the phosphate levels causing the itching, but having protein in your urine can be a sign of kidney failure (since you already mention that your kidney seems to be declining). I have known many patients with kidney failure that have severe itching because their kidneys are not properly functioning and they end up having a build up of salts that tend to get excreted through their pores and cause itching skin. Definitely talk to your doctor about it on Wednesday. Good luck!

Seaofclouds (23108

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