[Cutaneous complications after organ transplantation]

Abstract

Organ transplant recipients may develop cutaneous complications related to long-term immunosuppressive drug treatment (prednisolone, azathioprine, cyclosporine). These complications are either related to the immunosuppression per se, such as common warts, dermatophytosis, premalignant lesions, and skin cancer, or drug-specific effects, such as acne, rosacea, and hypertrichosis. Organ transplant recipients have a markedly increased risk of developing skin cancer, especially squamous cell carcinoma, but also basal cell carcinoma, Kaposi's sarcoma and malignant melanoma. Patients should be encouraged to avoid sun exposure, a well-known risk factor for skin cancer, and to use sun protection measures. Patients with skin lesions suspected to be malignant should be referred to a dermatologist. Close dermatological follow-up of patients diagnosed with post-transplant skin cancer is essential.