Nail changes. People who have advanced kidney disease can develop: A white color on the upper part of one or more nails and a normal to reddish brown color below, as shown here (half-and-half nails) Pale nails. White bands running across one or more nails (Muehrcke's nails)
They're also called Lindsay's nails. People with kidney disease commonly see half-and-half nails, and half-and-half fingernails are far more common than toenails. Other causes of Lindsay's nails include: Zinc deficiency.
When people have kidney disease, nitrogen waste products build up in our bodies. Your kidneys are not filtering those products out properly. This can lead to changes in the look and structure of both fingernails and toenails.
A severe decrease in kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood. This can cause people to feel tired, weak and can make it hard to concentrate. Another complication of kidney disease is anemia, which can cause weakness and fatigue. You're having trouble sleeping.
Stage 1 CKD means you have a normal eGFR of 90 or greater and mild damage to your kidneys. Your kidneys are still working well, so you may not have any symptoms. You may have other signs of kidney damage, such as protein in your urine.
Kidney Disease & Hair Loss
In patients with Chronic Kidney Disease, a reduced appetite, the build-up of toxins, mineral & vitamin deficiencies can result in thinning, brittle and falling hair. Hair loss is also an important symptom of severe CKD.
Itching with kidney disease can be generalized, or it can occur in specific parts of the body. Common areas for this type of itching include the head, arms, back, and abdomen. It also tends to be worse at night, which can disturb your sleep.
Terry's nails is a type of nail discoloration. The nailbeds look “washed out,” except for a thin reddish-brown strip near the tip. Often, Terry's nails is a symptom of a chronic condition, such as liver failure or diabetes.
2 out of 5 adults who have CKD don't know they have severe chronic kidney disease. People with CKD can live for years without knowing, as it doesn't always have the most clearly defined symptoms.
Blood Tests. Because your kidneys remove waste, toxins, and extra fluid from the blood, a doctor will also use a blood test to check your kidney function. The blood tests will show how well your kidneys are doing their job and how quickly the waste is being removed.
Healthy nails are generally pink. Very pale nails may indicate illnesses, such as anemia, congestive heart failure or liver disease. Poor nutrition also may be a culprit. It's a good idea to have them checked by a doctor.
Changes to skin color—the buildup of toxins in your body, when your kidneys aren't filtering your blood as they should, can cause color changes to your skin. You may notice a gray or yellow hue to your skin, areas of darkened skin, or an unhealthy pale tone.
Ripples on nails or pitted nails may be caused by a skin disorder, psoriasis, eczema, or arthritis. Nail clubbing is when a nail curves under at the tip of the finger. It could indicate heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, lung disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, or HIV/AIDS.
One rash that occurs in people who have end-stage kidney disease causes small, dome-shaped, and extremely itchy bumps. As these bumps clear, new ones can form. Sometimes, the small bumps join together to form rough, raised patches. Blisters.
Foot swelling is one of the most common symptoms of kidney disease. The excess fluid is pulled down towards the feet by gravity. Putting your feet up may temporarily relieve symptoms but you need professional treatment to prevent long-term damage.
For example, poor kidney health is often associated with grey hairs being scattered at the back of the head. This scattering is associated with kidney function being imbalanced or weak, as they typically function to remove excess toxins and waste from our bloodstream.
Advanced kidney disease may then cause serious complications such as weight loss, acidosis (a build-up of acid), and fluid retention in organs and tissue.
Foamy, frothy or bubbly urine.
Kidney disease can develop at any time, but those over the age of 60 are more likely than not to develop kidney disease. As people age, so do their kidneys. According to recent estimates from researchers at Johns Hopkins University, more than 50 percent of seniors over the age of 75 are believed to have kidney disease.
In Stage 1 CKD, the damage to your kidneys is mild. Your kidneys are still working well, but you may have signs of kidney damage or physical damage to your kidneys. Stage 1 CKD means you have a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 90 or greater, but there is protein in your urine (i.e., your pee).