Q. What can i use to improve my skin colour? It is becoming darker. I’m on dialysis since July 2014.
The answer comes from nephrologist William Ross, M.D., professor in the Renal Division at Washington University School of Medicine.
The skin darkens in dialysis patients because of the retention of pigments called urochomes that deposit in the skin. Over time, these molecules accumulate and give the skin a darkened, grayish look. These middle molecular weight proteins are removed by normally-functioning kidneys, but are not efficiently removed in dialysis patients. There are as of yet, no clinically proven way of removing urochromes, and there are no established treatments of the darkened skin that results from their deposition.
Will Ross, MD, MPH
Associate Dean for Diversity
Professor of Medicine, Renal Division
Washington University School of Medicine