What risk does chemotherapy pose to the skin?

Chemotherapy can significantly compromise the integrity of the skin and its associated barriers, leading to an increased risk of infection. This is primarily due to the immunosuppressive effects of many chemotherapeutic agents, which can reduce the body’s ability to effectively combat pathogens. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, including not only cancer cells but also normal cells, particularly those in the bone marrow, which produces white blood cells that fight infections. As the immune response weakens, even minor breaks or damage to the skin can allow bacteria, viruses, or fungi to enter the body, resulting in infections.

Other risk factors associated with chemotherapy, such as hair loss or pigmentation changes, while they can occur, do not directly relate to the skin’s susceptibility to infections. Skin necrosis is also a serious condition; however, it is less commonly a direct result of standard chemotherapy treatments. Understanding the immune-suppressing properties of chemotherapy is crucial in managing and mitigating the risk of infections in patients undergoing cancer treatment.