Dermatology in kidney disease

Abstract

A wide variety of skin conditions arise in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). These are sometimes related to the underlying pathologic process causing the renal disease but are also frequently associated with the uraemic state itself. Cutaneous examination of patients with CKD has shown an almost 100 % prevalence of skin disorders in dialysis populations [1], with a marked impact on quality of life [2]. In addition, there is over a 100-fold increase in the incidence of certain types of skin cancer in renal transplant recipients, placing a significant burden on healthcare resources as well as causing significant morbidity and in some cases mortality [3]. Early recognition of these skin problems can therefore avert such complications, making a basic knowledge of the dermatological conditions arising in the setting of renal disease extremely valuable to practising nephrologists.