An Observational Study of Dermatological Manifestations in Patients of Chronic Renal Failure Undergoing Hemodialysis

Abstract

Background: Chronic renal failure (CRF) presents with an array of cutaneous manifestations. Newer changes are being described since the advent of hemodialysis, which prolongs the life expectancy, giving time for these changes to manifest. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dermatologic problems among patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: ninty three .. patients with CRF on hemodialysis were examined for cutaneous changes. Results: all the patients complained of some skin problem. The most prevalent finding was xerosis (54.8%), followed by pallor (21.5%), pruritus (19.35%) and cutaneous pigmentation (18.3%). Other cutaneous manifestations included Kyrle's disease (5.4%); fungal (5.4%), bacterial (6.5%) and viral (3.2%) infections; purpura (9.7%). The nail changes included half and half nail (21%), koilonychia (39.78%), onychomycosis (1.08%), onychorrhexis (6.45%), splinter hemorrhages (1.08%), and Beau's lines (2%). Hair changes included sparse hair (18.28%), and brittle and lusterless hair (11.83%). Oral changes included macroglossia with teeth markings (23.65%), . Some rare manifestations of CRF like uremic frost, gynecomastia and pseudo-Kaposi's sarcoma were not observed. Conclusions: CRF is associated with a complex array of cutaneous manifestations caused either by the disease or by treatment. The commonest are xerosis and pruritus and the early recognition of cutaneous signs can relieve suffering and decrease morbidity.