Topic Overview

Nephrotic syndrome may cause your skin to become dry and fragile, break open easily, bleed, and 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.