Nephrotic Syndrome: Skin Care Tips

Topic Overview

Nephrotic syndrome may cause your skin to become infected. You can prevent or reduce further skin problems by using these tips:

• Check for areas that are red, warm to the touch, or bleeding. Use a mirror or ask someone else to look at your feet, back, or buttocks if you have trouble seeing these areas.
• Avoid excessive bathing. Soap and water deplete your skin of the essential oils that hold in moisture.
  • Limit showers or baths to 10 minutes.
  • Do not use hot water to bathe.
  • Use bath oils in the tub. (Be careful, because bath oil will make the tub slippery.)
  • Use mild soaps, such as Dove or Cetaphil, especially under the arms and in the genital area.
• Use a moisturizing lotion after you bathe, or more frequently if your skin tends to become dry easily. Avoid products that contain alcohol, because they can dry your skin.
• Avoid scratching your skin or rubbing it vigorously with towels. If itching is a problem, see relief from itching.
• Avoid chemicals that may irritate the skin, such as rubbing alcohol, soaps, detergents, or solvents.
• Use baking soda or cornstarch powders on areas of your skin that become irritated. Avoid powders that contain talc. Breathing in talc can irritate your lungs.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothes and shoes. Wear natural-fiber clothes that allow moisture to evaporate from your skin. Avoid wearing wool and acrylic fabrics next to your skin.