# Stage 5 CKD without dialysis **URL:** \ **Category:** Dialysis\ **Created:** [11 August 2026 09:02 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/stage-5-ckd-without-dialysis/818 "2026-08-11T09:02:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![BLMM](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f07891/32.png) [@BLMM](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/BLMM)\ **Post date:** [11 August 2026 09:02 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/stage-5-ckd-without-dialysis/818/1 "2026-08-11T09:02:15Z")
My husband has stage 5 and has declined dialysis. He often needs a magnesium infusion and uses EPO injections The itching is a problem mainly at night. Any tips or someone in a similar situation? ---
**Author:** ![Brogan\_admin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecccb3/32.png) [@Brogan\_admin](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Brogan_admin)\ **Post date:** [13 August 2026 11:03 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/stage-5-ckd-without-dialysis/818/2 "2026-08-13T11:03:19Z")
Hi @BLMM! Welcome to Kidney Community, thank you for joining 💜 . Hopefully some other members who are living with Stage 5 CKD, or supporting a loved one who has chosen not to have dialysis, will also see your post and share what’s helped them. Itching can be a really difficult symptom to live with, especially when it’s affecting sleep. I’m going to tag you in an itch topic from a member who has also been asking about itching this week. Thanks, Brogan ---
**Author:** ![dawnh7](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7bcc69/32.png) [@dawnh7](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/dawnh7)\ **Post date:** [13 August 2026 18:02 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/stage-5-ckd-without-dialysis/818/3 "2026-08-13T18:02:30Z")
Best thing I found for itching was E45 itch relief cream I use it still occasionally especially in the hot weather but once I was stage 5 it seemed the only thing that really worked ---
**Author:** ![Budleigh1234](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9fc29f/32.png) [@Budleigh1234](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/Budleigh1234)\ **Post date:** [13 August 2026 19:27 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/stage-5-ckd-without-dialysis/818/4 "2026-08-13T19:27:55Z")
Hello, I have found the best way to reduce the itch is to cut down on my phosphate intake ie reducing my quantity of hard cheese etc . I also use Adex-gel which I obtain from my doctor on prescription. ---
**Author:** ![dawn.maclean23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@dawn.maclean23](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/dawn.maclean23)\ **Post date:** [13 August 2026 20:42 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/stage-5-ckd-without-dialysis/818/5 "2026-08-13T20:42:12Z")
It really depends if the itching is phosphate related or just a build up of toxins. If phosphate related speak with your renal team and ask to speak with a dietitian as no amount of creams and ointment are going to do much other than couple of hours relief until you get to the route cause of the problem 💜 ---
**Author:** ![SaraJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e99b99/32.png) [@SaraJ](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/u/SaraJ)\ **Post date:** [14 August 2026 11:51 UTC](https://kidneycommunity.kidneyresearchuk.org/t/stage-5-ckd-without-dialysis/818/6 "2026-08-14T11:51:33Z")
Hi BLMM, I’m Stage 5 too but at present pre dialysis. I suffered terribly with the night itching at Stage 4 and the only thing that I found effective is EURAX Cream Crotamiton. You can buy it over the counter in Boots or Superdrug, other places too I should think, although my kidney doctor prescribed it for me when I first suffered with this. I always have it to hand even though I don’t have the itching as often now. I really sympathise with your husband - the itching was so intense on my legs and back I was raking my skin to try and stop it. I found this cream a game changer. I have a large 100g tube by my bedside and always carry a smaller 30g one in my handbag. Hope it brings some relief to your husband too. Thinking of him. Hope this helps.