Why Itchy Skin Could Be a Sign of Liver or Kidney Disease
Everyone gets itchy skin from time to time. Maybe it’s dry weather or an allergic reaction. But when the itching (pruritus) becomes constant—especially without a clear cause—it may point to something deeper.
Persistent itch, especially if it doesn’t come with a rash, can sometimes be a warning sign of liver or kidney disease. In both cases, the problem begins inside the body, not on the surface of the skin.
Let’s take a closer look at how liver and kidney conditions can cause itching—and when you should see a doctor.
What Does the Itching Feel Like?
The itching caused by liver or kidney disease is usually:
- Widespread, though some people may feel it more on their back, arms, or legs
- Worse at night, making it hard to sleep
- Not always linked to a visible rash
- Persistent, lasting for weeks or even months
- Unrelieved by scratching
It may come and go. But if it keeps returning or gets worse over time, it deserves medical attention.
How the Liver Is Connected to Itchy Skin
One of the liver’s main jobs is to remove toxins and waste from the blood. It also helps produce bile, a fluid that helps digest fats. When the liver isn’t working well—due to disease or damage—waste products and bile acids can build up in the body.
This buildup is believed to irritate nerves in the skin, leading to intense itching. This type of itching is known as cholestatic pruritus.1 It’s especially common in liver conditions such as:
- Cholestasis (blocked bile flow)
- Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
- Hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
- Liver cancer
The itching is often one of the first symptoms to appear—even before other signs of liver disease, like the yellowing of the skin (jaundice).
How the Kidneys Are Linked to Itchy Skin
Healthy kidneys filter waste from the blood and balance fluids in the body. When the kidneys start to fail, toxins and waste can build up. This can lead to uremic pruritus—itching caused by high levels of urea and other waste in the bloodstream.2
This is common in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those on dialysis.3 The exact cause of the itch isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve:
- High levels of waste products
- Imbalance in calcium and phosphorus
- Nerve inflammation
- Immune system changes
Itching in kidney disease tends to be persistent and often affects the back, chest, head, and arms. It can also be extremely difficult to manage without medical treatment.
Other Symptoms You Might Notice
If you’re experiencing unexplained itching along with any of the following, talk to your doctor:
- Fatigue
- Swelling in your legs or ankles
- Changes in urine color or amount
- Dark-colored urine
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Foamy urine
These symptoms may indicate your liver or kidneys are under strain.
When to Seek Medical Help
If your skin is itchy and it’s not linked to dryness, allergies, or skin conditions like eczema, a deeper issue may be the cause. You should seek medical advice if:
- The itching lasts more than two weeks
- It’s severe or getting worse
- You have other unexplained symptoms
- The itching affects your sleep or daily life
- There is no rash or visible irritation
A doctor can run blood tests to check liver and kidney function.
How Do You Stop Itching Due To The Liver or Kidney Disease?
If you suspect your liver or kidneys might be the cause, don’t ignore it. In the meantime:
- Avoid scratching – It can damage your skin.
- Use cool compresses – They may offer temporary relief.
- Apply anti-itch topical creams – corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors
- Keep your skin moisturized – Choose unscented products.
- Avoid hot showers – Heat can make itching worse.
- Limit alcohol – It can strain both the liver and kidneys.
- Stay hydrated – Water helps flush out toxins.