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Review
. 2025 Mar 28;17(3):e81353.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.81353. eCollection 2025 Mar.

A Comprehensive Review of Electrolyte Imbalances and Their Applied Aspects in Dermatology

KavyaDeepu R M  1 , Mohnish Sekar  2
Affiliations
Review

A Comprehensive Review of Electrolyte Imbalances and Their Applied Aspects in Dermatology

KavyaDeepu R M et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Electrolytes play a pivotal role in the maintenance of neutrality in the minerals of the cells - also, the generation and conduction of action potentials in neurons and muscles. Key electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, and phosphate. Electrolyte imbalances can result in elevated or diminished levels. Abnormal electrolyte levels, whether raised or decreased, interfere with normal physiological activities and may result in life-threatening consequences. Electrolyte imbalances are common in critical care units, although they are less frequent in dermatological conditions. Dermatologists should, however, be knowledgeable about the skin disorders and medications that are related to or may increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance to ensure that appropriate treatments are implemented immediately to avoid negative results. The objective of this review is to narrate the dermatological features of disorders involving abnormalities of sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Keywords: calcium; dermatology; electrolyte imbalance; magnesium; phosphate; potassium; sodium.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Flowchart showing the causes of hyponatremia in HIV.
Reference: [26]. HIV, human immunodeficiency virus
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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