Examination of the skin and nails dan reveal many abnormalities in patients
with end-stage renal disease that precede or follow initiation of dialysis
treatment or kidney transplantation. This article focuses on specific and
nonspecific cutaneous signs of end-stage renal disease, reviewing both bana
l and life-threatening conditions, including pruritus, perforating disorder
s, calcifying disorders, and bullous dermatoses. The pathogenesis, clinical
findings, histologic findings, differential diagnosis, and treatment of th
ese diseases are discussed. Cutaneous manifestations unique to kidney trans
plantation will not be covered.