TITLE:
Uremic Frost: Cutaneous Messages of Renal Dysfunction—Case Report and Brief Review
AUTHORS:
Cristian Alberto Lobo-Ardila, María José Vargas-Fierro, Laura Vanessa Triviño-Blanco, Kendry Yulieth Arrieta-Iguarán, Paula Andrea Orozco-Ochoa, Maria Alexandra Oñate-Lanao, Oscar Andres Vargas-Fierro
KEYWORDS:
Chronic Kidney Disease, Uremia, Skin Diseases, Kidney Replacement Therapy
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.8,
August
25,
2026
ABSTRACT: Uremic frost is an uncommon dermatologic manifestation classically associated with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), resulting from the cutaneous deposition of urea crystals and other nitrogenous compounds secondary to severe uremia. Although it has become increasingly rare because of earlier CKD diagnosis and timely access to kidney replacement therapy, its recognition remains of considerable clinical importance, particularly in emergency settings or in patients with previously undiagnosed disease or limited access to healthcare. Clinically, it is characterized by the presence of fine, adherent, whitish plaques or deposits on the skin surface, reflecting a critically disturbed metabolic state. We report the case of a 72-year-old man with advanced systemic deterioration, poor general condition, and whitish cutaneous lesions consistent with uremic frost, in whom this finding represented a visible manifestation of severe organ failure in the setting of advanced uremia. The patient’s clinical course rapidly deteriorated, resulting in death shortly thereafter. This case highlights the importance of recognizing cutaneous manifestations as indicators of severe systemic disease and underscores the need for prompt, comprehensive evaluation, as these findings may provide valuable diagnostic clues in critically ill patients.