Multiple histopathological skin alterations in a hemodialysis patient with severe pruritus

Pruritus is an alarming symptom in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) accompanied by sleep disturbances and physical and mental disorders. Although its prevalence is very high among hemodialysis patients (90%), its etiology and its successful treatment have been unconfirmed (Melo N, Elias R, Castro M, Romao G, Abensur H. Pruritus in hemodialysis patients: The problem still remains. Hemodial Int. 2009;13:38-42.). Common pruritus etiologies, such as high parathyroid hormone levels, dialysis inadequacy, and iron deficiency are matters of conflict. The case of a hemodialysis patient with consistent itching and a variety of cutaneous eruptions, which after performing skin biopsy were explored and cured, is described. This article addresses the possibility of other causes of pruritus in ESRD and encourages watchful waiting with simple medical interventions, which would relieve patients' symptoms.