Pruritus and Aromatherapy Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease

Year 2025, Volume: 20 Issue: 2, 139 - 146, 31.05.2025

Semanur Bilgiç , Aysun Acun , Burcu Bayrak Kahraman

https://doi.org/10.47565/ndthdt.2025.106

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease, a common disease worldwide, is characterised by persistent deterioration of kidney function. Dermatological issues such as pruritus and xerosis, frequently observed in this condition, significantly impair patients’ quality of life and complicate the treatment process. The pathophysiology of pruritus involves factors such as peripheral neuropathy, immune system imbalances, opioid receptor dysregulation, the activation of non-histaminergic itch pathways due to the accumulation of uremic toxins in the skin, microinflammation, and xerosis. In addition to pharmacological treatments, non-pharmacological methods, particularly aromatherapy, are increasingly being utilized to manage pruritus. Essential oils such as lavender, violet, chia seed oil, and many others are applied topically, through massage, or inhalation to alleviate symptoms of pruritus and xerosis. Existing literature suggests that aromatherapy may be effective in reducing skin symptoms and pruritus. However, to establish the efficacy and safety of this therapeutic approach, more comprehensive studies are required, focusing on the standardization of application protocols and the evaluation of the effectiveness of various essential oils. Assessing the effects of aromatherapy through comparative clinical trials with larger sample groups is crucial for enhancing the evidence base in this area.

Keywords

Aromatherapy , Pruritus , Chronic Kidney Disease

Kronik Böbrek Hastalığı ile İlişkili Kaşıntı ve Aromaterapi/ Pruritus and Aromatherapy Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Dünya genelinde yaygın bir hastalık olan kronik böbrek hastalığı böbrek fonksiyonlarının kalıcı olarak bozulmasıyla karakterizedir. Bu hastalıkta sıklıkla görülen dermatolojik problemler arasında yer alan kaşıntı ve cilt kuruluğu, hastaların yaşam kalitesini ciddi şekilde düşürmekte ve tedavi sürecini karmaşık hale getirmektedir. Kaşıntının patofizyolojisi; periferik nöropati, immün sistem dengesizlikleri, opioid reseptör dengesizlikleri, ciltte üremik toksin birikimine bağlı histaminerjik olmayan kaşıntı yolunun aktivasyonu, mikroinflamasyon ve kseroz gibi faktörlere dayanmaktadır. Kaşıntının yönetiminde farmakolojik tedavilere ek olarak non- farmakolojik yöntemler, özellikle aromaterapi, giderek artan bir şekilde kullanılmaktadır. Aromaterapide lavanta, menekşe, chia tohumu yağı ve daha birçok esansiyel yağ; topikal uygulama, masaj veya inhalasyon yoluyla uygulanarak kaşıntı ve kseroz semptomlarını hafifletmek amacıyla kullanılmaktadır. Mevcut literatür, aromaterapinin cilt semptomlarını ve kaşıntıyı azaltmada potansiyel olarak etkili olabileceğini göstermektedir. Ancak, bu tedavi yönteminin etkinliğini ve güvenilirliğini belirlemek için uygulama protokollerinin standardizasyonu ve esansiyel yağların etkililiğini inceleyen daha kapsamlı araştırmalara ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır. Aromaterapinin etkilerinin daha geniş örneklem grupları ile karşılaştırmalı klinik çalışmalarla değerlendirilmesi, bu alandaki kanıt seviyesini artırmak açısından büyük önem taşımaktadır.

Keywords

Aromaterapi , Kaşıntı , Kronik Böbrek Hastalığı

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