Recognizing Common Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in the Nephrology Clinic

Renal failure patients have an increased risk of infection, including skin and soft tissue infections. This increased susceptibility is multifactorial, due to the conditions causing the renal failure as well as complications of treatment and renal failure's innate effects on patient health. These infections have a significant impact on patient morbidity, increased hospital and procedural demands, and the cost of health care. Many renal failure patients are seen regularly by their nephrology clinic caregivers due to the need for frequent dialysis and transplant monitoring. Familiarity with common skin and soft tissue infections by these caregivers allowing enhanced patient education, optimal infection prevention, and early recognition could significantly reduce the morbidity and cost of these disorders, such as diabetic foot syndrome, necrotizing fasciitis, and herpetic infections.