Your skin is often considered a reflection of your body's inner wellbeing, when it comes to kidney function, the connection goes beyond what may initially be something on the surface. The kidneys are responsible for filtering out wastes and toxins in the blood, balancing electrolytes, and helping to control moisture levels. Once kidney function breaks down, its effects are felt not only overall but also are reflected in discernible skin-related changes—dryness, pigmentation, long-term itching, and even hives.

But when the kidneys are unwell, they do not just impair internal function but also manifest themselves on the outside, and specifically on the skin. In the opinion of Dr. Sreedhar Reddy, Urologist and Urology Surgeon, "Kidney-related ailments frequently cause palpable changes to the skin, which may act as preliminary signals for renal illness."

Link Between Your Kidney Health and your Skin

When the kidneys do not effectively remove waste products and excess water from the body, toxins in the blood buildup. This accumulation manifests as several dermatological manifestations indicating intrinsic renal disease. These are:

Xerosis (Severe Dryness of the Skin): Patients can have very dry, rough, scaly skin, which is usually accompanied by cracking. Dr. Reddy describes, "Extremely dry skin that is tight and tends to crack is frequently seen in patients with end-stage kidney disease who are on dialysis or need a transplant."

Pruritus (Itchy Skin): Itching is one of the most common symptoms of kidney disease. A recent survey of individuals on hemodialysis found that 61% reported experiencing at least a moderate level of itching, with 25% describing it as "very" or "extremely intense." This persistent itch occurs as waste products accumulate in the blood, irritating nerve endings.

Pigment Disorders and Rashes: Inability of the kidneys to function properly can cause the accumulation of metabolic byproducts in the skin, causing color changes and rashes. "Dome-shaped, intensely itchy rashes tend to mean that the kidneys are not clearing toxins well," adds Dr. Reddy.

Effect of Kidney Disease on Overall Appearance

Aside from skin disorders, kidney disease has an effect on a person's overall appearance because of metabolic disturbances and fluid imbalance.

Weight Changes: Kidney disease may result in sudden weight loss from muscle atrophy or sudden weight gain from fluid buildup. "Patients tend to develop swelling of the face, hands, and feet because of too much fluid," explains Dr. Reddy.

Changes in Skin Texture and Color: Kidney impairment can result in pallor, yellowish or grayish complexion, and a dull skin.

Hair and Nail Changes: Thin hair, ridges, and brittle nails are reported by many patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Kidney Disease and Its Link to Other Health Conditions

Some other health disorders linked with kidney disease can cause skin conditions and changes in appearance:

Diabetes and Hypertension: Diabetes and hypertension are major causes of kidney disease, and both diseases can worsen skin conditions like itching and delayed healing of wounds.

Liver Dysfunction: A dysfunctional liver, usually associated with kidney problems, can cause bile salts to pile up beneath the skin, which may cause intense itching.

Blood Diseases and Autoimmune Disorders: Certain cancers, thyroid disease, and autoimmune disorders such as celiac disease may also lead to long-term itching secondary to systemic inflammation and nerve stimulation.

How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy?

For those of us who care about our skin and our well-being, ensuring that our kidneys are functioning properly is important. Dr. Reddy stresses that making some small lifestyle adjustments can greatly enhance kidney health and stave off overt skin decline.

1. Have a Kidney-Friendly Diet

Reducing the intake of sodium, phosphorus, and potassium while increasing antioxidant-rich foods can protect kidney function and enhance skin health.

2. Stay Hydrated

Adequate water intake helps flush out toxins, reducing the burden on the kidneys and preventing dryness and irritation in the skin.

3. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity improves circulation, enhances waste elimination, and supports overall metabolic function.

4. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Tobacco and alcohol also add to kidney stress, resulting in fluid buildup and inflammation that may adversely affect the skin.

5. Routine Health Checkups

Routine tests of blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and kidney function may help identify early evidence of kidney disease, averting severe complications.

When to Consult A Doctor?

Early warning signs of kidney disease can be identified and avoided in order to prevent severe complications. If you suddenly notice unexplained itching, a chronic rash, extreme dryness, swelling, or a great weight gain, seek advice from a health expert. Kidney function can be tested by conducting blood tests that eliminate other health conditions like diabetes, anemia, or thyroid disorders.

Your kidneys are also responsible for detoxification, the balance of fluid, and metabolism. When compromised, the effects are not only internal but also evident on your complexion and overall look. By living healthy, keeping an eye on kidney function, and consulting a doctor when needed, one can have healthy kidneys along with maintaining healthy skin's natural sparkle and radiance. Dr. Reddy affirms, "Healthy kidneys mean healthy skin. Paying attention to both can improve overall well-being and quality of life."

Dr. Sreedhar Reddy is a MBBS, MS(Gen sur), DNB (Urology), MNAMS (urology), FRTS, FIMS at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bangalore in India

Auto-Brewery Syndrome, also known as gut fermentation syndrome, is a rare medical condition where the digestive system produces alcohol internally. This happens when certain microorganisms—mostly yeasts like Candida or some bacteria—ferment carbohydrates in the gut, creating ethanol. The ethanol then enters the bloodstream, causing symptoms such as dizziness, disorientation, fatigue, and even slurred speech, mimicking alcohol intoxication.

How Does It Happen?

ABS typically occurs when the natural balance of the gut microbiome is disrupted. This disruption can follow antibiotic use, gastrointestinal infections, or diets high in refined carbohydrates. In some cases, people with diabetes or existing gut disorders are more prone to developing the condition.

When the gut environment changes, fermentative microbes may flourish. These microbes thrive on simple carbohydrates and sugars, converting them into alcohol during digestion. While most people efficiently digest these foods without any issue, those with ABS experience a build-up of ethanol, leading to unwanted and surprising symptoms.

The Role of Bread and Carbohydrates

Bread—especially white or refined varieties—is rich in simple carbohydrates. For most people, eating bread in moderation doesn’t cause harm. In fact, whole grain bread can be beneficial due to its fibre content, which supports healthy digestion and feeds good gut bacteria.

However, when eaten in excess, particularly in its refined form, bread can contribute to an overgrowth of fermentative microbes in susceptible individuals. This can lead to symptoms like bloating, gas, discomfort, and, in rare cases like ABS, internal alcohol production.

A Simple Remedy: Psyllium Husk

To support gut health, many wellness experts recommend incorporating psyllium husk, or Isabgol, into your routine. Psyllium is a soluble fibre that absorbs water and forms a gel-like substance in the gut. This helps regulate bowel movements, slows down carbohydrate absorption, and may prevent the rapid fermentation of food in the intestines.

By stabilizing digestion and reducing the speed at which carbs are broken down, psyllium can help minimise gas, bloating, and the risk of ethanol build-up—making it a helpful tool for those concerned about gut health.

Supporting a Healthy Gut

Managing ABS or preventing gut issues doesn't require drastic changes. Here are a few everyday habits that support better digestion:

• Limit intake of refined carbohydrates and processed foods
• Choose whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
• Include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, or pickles
• Stay active and hydrate well
• Manage stress through breathing exercises, meditation, or regular routines

Auto-Brewery Syndrome is an unusual and extreme case, but it highlights a powerful truth: the food we eat shapes our internal health in surprising ways. Paying attention to our gut and making mindful dietary choices can go a long way in supporting not just digestion, but overall well-being.

You may know about people who avoid certain foods like peanuts, berries or eggs because they are allergic to it, but what does that mean? Food allergies can happen to anyone. It is a condition where your body’s natural defenses overreact to exposure to a particular substance. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology explains that our body’s immune system basically mistakes food or a particular particle as an invader or a threat to your body.

This then causes your immune system to release ‘defense’ chemicals that can cause reactions like nausea, swellings, dizziness or worse, anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a whole-body reaction that can impair your breathing and cause a dramatic drop in blood pressure. Life-threatening reactions like such are the reason why many parents are apprehensive about introducing certain foods to their children. However, could that be the reason why children are developing more allergies?

A new study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that some parents are waiting much longer—a year or even more. Many parents, understandably worried, might actually be preventing their children from avoiding food allergies. Experts now say that introducing tiny amounts of common allergy-causing foods like peanuts and eggs to babies as young as 4 to 6 months old can help them build a strong defense. This delay could mean their children don't get the chance to become tolerant to these foods, increasing their risk of developing allergies.

Delayed Introduction Trend

The study looked at what parents are feeding their babies and found some interesting, and perhaps concerning, trends:

Nuts: About 35% of babies hadn't eaten nuts by their first birthday.

Eggs: Similarly, around 21% of parents hadn't given their one-year-olds any egg.

Sesame: And for sesame, 16% of babies hadn't tried it by age one.

These numbers come from a survey of parents in the UK, who are part of a study tracking their children's health over time.

Persistent Misconceptions And How It Affects Health

For many years, parents were told to avoid giving allergenic foods to babies and even during pregnancy. The idea was to prevent allergies. However, we now know that this advice might have actually made allergies more common, especially in children.

Researchers explain that studies as such are very important. Parents must update themselves regarding new food allergy guidelines. This understanding is important as if parents keep waiting to introduce these foods, it will continue to fuel the "allergy epidemic" we're seeing.

The researchers talked to nearly 400 parents involved in a project tracking children's health from birth. They found that most children did start eating common allergenic foods like eggs and nuts when they were between 6 and 9 months old. However, many parents still chose to wait longer for certain foods:

Sesame: About 26% of parents waited until their child was older than 9 months.

Fish: 25% delayed introducing fish.

Nuts: 21% waited longer for nuts.

Eggs: 11% held off on eggs.

The researchers concluded that even parents whose families had a history of allergies weren't following the updated advice. Many babies weren't exposed to nuts and eggs by their first birthday, which is a key time for building tolerance.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

These findings suggest that the new guidelines about food allergies aren't reaching new parents clearly enough. Research consistently shows that introducing allergenic foods early, especially nuts and eggs, lowers the risk of developing allergies. In fact, for babies at high risk of allergies, experts even suggest introducing peanut-containing foods as early as 4 to 6 months of age. It's crucial for this message to get out so more children can benefit from these updated recommendations.

Cervical cancer is usually associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease that accounts for nearly all cervical cancer cases. HPV types 16 and 18 have been found to account for more than 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide. HPV vaccination and cervical screening schemes have had a remarkable impact in lowering the incidence of HPV-associated cervical cancer, particularly in developed countries but can cervical cancer happen without HPV?

Surprisingly, yes—but only rarely. Between 5.5% and 11% of cervical cancers are HPV-negative, and these tend to be missed until advanced stages. This article discusses what we now know about HPV-negative cervical cancers, why they are difficult to diagnose, and what it all means for prevention and treatment in the future.

Dominant Role of HPV in Cervical Cancer

HPV is by far the most frequent cause of cervical cancer and is responsible for almost 99% of cases. The virus is generally transmitted through sexual contact and can remain in the body for years before resulting in abnormal cell growth in the cervix.

In nations such as Australia, where screening and vaccination programs are well organized, the majority of cervical cancer cases can be traced to HPV. Of the 900 women who develop cervical cancer annually in Australia, nearly all have been attributed to this virus. The two most lethal types of HPV—16 and 18—are accountable for as much as 80% of the cases.

However, in a small percentage of cases, no detectable HPV infection is present. These are the uncommon but important outliers that researchers and clinicians are working increasingly harder to comprehend.

What is HPV-Negative Cervical Cancer?

HPV-negative cervical cancers occur in an estimated 5.5% to 11% of all cases worldwide. These are uncommon subtypes of adenocarcinomas, including:

• Clear cell carcinoma
• Mesonephric carcinoma
• Gastric-type adenocarcinoma

In a few instances, tumors that are HPV-negative at presentation can be and were once HPV-positive, yet the virus is no longer detectable because of tumor progression or testing limitations. In any case, such cancers tend to act differently than HPV-positive tumors—and present formidable diagnostic challenges.

Why HPV-Negative Cases Go Undetected?

One of the biggest challenges to tackling HPV-negative cervical cancers is that existing screening tools—both the Pap test and the newer Cervical Screening Test (CST)—are intended to pick up HPV-associated abnormalities. Therefore, HPV-negative tumors usually go undetected early on.

Lacking an independent test that can specifically pick up these uncommon types, many women won't be diagnosed until they start noticing symptoms, including:

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Painful sex
• Irregular discharge

These symptoms usually manifest later, hence HPV-negative cervical cancers usually have a poorer prognosis. A meta-analysis of 17 studies with more than 2,800 patients revealed that the outcomes for HPV-positive cervical cancers are substantially better than those for HPV-negative cancers. Both earlier detection and biologic differences in tumor behavior are likely to be the reasons for this.

Potential Risk Factors Of Cervical Cancer Beyond HPV

Although HPV is still the leading cause of cervical cancer, various factors can contribute to elevating one's risk, particularly in HPV-negative patients:

Smoking: Duplicates the risk of cervical cancer by subjecting cervical cells to carcinogens.

Long-term oral contraceptive use: Prolonged use can raise the risk, although risk dissipates after stopping pills.

Multiple births: Multiple full-term pregnancies can raise the vulnerability through hormonal fluctuations and prolonged exposure to HPV.

Weakened immune system: Diseases such as HIV or immunosuppressive drugs may weaken the body and make it less likely to resist infections and abnormal cell growth.

Family history: There may be a genetic component that contributes to susceptibility.

Chlamydia infection: Long-term infections caused by this bacterium may raise the risk.

Poor diet: Inadequate fruit and vegetable intake has been linked with increased cancer risk from less protective antioxidants and vitamins.

Nevertheless, risk factors above are modifiers and not primary causes. In the case of HPV-negative cervical cancer, there is no single cause, and studies on possible genetic or environmental cause are under way.

Diagnosis of HPV-Negative Cervical Cancer

Since there is no screening test for HPV-negative cervical cancers, diagnosis typically only happens after symptoms arise. Physicians use:

• Pelvic exams
• Biopsies
• Imaging tests like MRI or CT scans

By the point of discovery, the cancer is typically so advanced that the treatment becomes more complex and survival rates lower.

This delay in detection underscores a critical imperative for biomarker identification, cutting-edge imaging, and better awareness both within the healthcare community and among the general public.

Are We Underestimating the Role of HPV?

Some authors believe that the rate of HPV-negative cervical cancers could be overestimated because of false negatives, i.e., cases with the presence of the virus that are not detectable at the moment of testing. This may be explained by:

• Low viral load
• Sampling errors
• Short period of time between infection and testing

This hypothesis is put forward on the grounds that the actual number of true HPV-negative cases may be less than reported, though more sophisticated diagnostic methods are required to support this.

How To Minimize Risk Of Cervical Cancer?

HPV-positive or HPV-negative, there are steps to take that lower the risk of developing cervical cancer overall:

Get vaccinated: The HPV vaccine protects against the most risky types of the virus.

Go for regular screenings: Although they don't catch HPV-negative cancers, Pap and HPV tests are still important for the early detection of most.

Stop smoking: Reducing tobacco use reduces exposure to carcinogens.

Practice safe sex: Wear condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

Eat a balanced diet: Provide a nutrient-rich diet with high levels of antioxidants.

Women who have any unusual gynecological symptoms—no matter what their screening history is—should see a healthcare provider early.

Though HPV-negative cervical cancer is uncommon, it poses special detection, diagnostic, and therapeutic challenges. These instances remind us that cervical cancer is not a monolith and highlight the need for ongoing research, improved screening technologies, and heightened awareness.