Is it common for a two year kidney transplant patient to experience a skin disorder. diabetic 1878-present kidney transplant 11-09

The : The answer is yes. Transplant patients are subject to many dermatologic conditions. Because you are an organ transplant recipient and most likely on immune suppressing medications, your body is not able to protect you from certain diseases as it once was. This includes, but certainly is not limited to conditions such as shingles and skin cancers. As a transplant patient, you should plan to see your dermatologist on a regular basis now and in the future. It is important that you have your skin checked for skin cancers often, as kidney transplant patients are especially more prone to the development of certain types of skin cancer.

Not uncommon: Most renal transplant recipients are on multiple immunosuppressive medications and they are at increased risk for skin cancers. All renal transplant recipients are recommended to have an annual skin exam by a dermatologist.

Dermatology is key: All transplant patients should have regular skin examinations by a knowledgeable provider because of the risk of skin cancer that is caused by the use of immunosuppression. In addition, skin infections and other unusual problems may occur. Skin also becomes fragile over the years because of diabetes, aging and immunosuppression. Probably makes sense to see a dermatologist.