3. Itchy skin
Persistent itching that worsens at night can be a sign of toxin buildup in the bloodstream due to impaired kidney filtration. When creatinine levels rise, waste products accumulate and deposit in the skin, triggering inflammation and intense itching. This uremic pruritus often leads patients to try various creams or lotions without relief, delaying proper diagnosis.
Unlike common dry skin caused by environmental factors, itching from kidney issues tends to be widespread and does not improve with moisturizing. If itching persists despite skin care measures, a kidney function evaluation including serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) tests is advisable.
4. Swelling in extremities
Swelling or edema in the ankles, feet, or hands that leaves a lasting indentation when pressed (pitting edema) signals fluid retention. This occurs when impaired kidney function and high creatinine levels reduce the kidneys’ ability to remove excess salt and water from the body.
While swelling is often attributed to dietary salt intake or heart issues, persistent or worsening edema should prompt evaluation of kidney health. Monitoring daily weight and noting any swelling progression can provide useful information for your doctor.
5. Feeling cold due to anemia
High creatinine levels indicate decreased kidney function, which often leads to reduced production of erythropoietin—a hormone critical for red blood cell production. This results in anemia, causing symptoms such as feeling cold even in warm environments, fatigue, and pallor.
This symptom may be subtle and mistaken for normal aging or poor circulation. However, persistent cold intolerance coupled with other symptoms should be evaluated with a complete blood count (CBC) and kidney function tests to detect anemia related to kidney disease.
