What are the five vasculitic diseases that frequently involve both the kidneys and skin?

• Leukocytoclastic vasculitis
• Henoch-Schönlein purpura
• Polyarteritis nodosa
• Microscopic polyarteritis
• Wegener’s granulomatosis

When skin lesions suggestive of vasculitis occur, a skin biopsy should be done to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of vessel and inflammation involved (see also Chapter 15). Vessel involvement may vary from small postcapillary venules (leukocytoclastic vasculitis) to medium-sized arteries (polyarteritis nodosa). If vasculitis is confirmed, testing should be done to determine if the kidneys are also involved.