What skin-related health risk is induced by some types of chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy can significantly impact the skin and its associated functions, making patients more susceptible to infection. This increased risk is due to several factors related to chemotherapy's mode of action, which often includes immunosuppression. Various chemotherapy agents can suppress bone marrow production of white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, which are vital components of the immune system that help fight off infections.

Additionally, some chemotherapy drugs can cause changes to the skin itself, such as dryness, peeling, or damage to the skin barrier, further increasing the risk of pathogens entering the body. For patients undergoing chemotherapy, the combination of an impaired immune response and potential skin integrity issues creates a conducive environment for infections, underscoring the necessity for vigilant skin care and monitoring for signs of infection during treatment.

While pain, erythema, and ultraviolet damage are also possible skin-related side effects of chemotherapy, they do not specifically highlight the increased risk of infection that arises from immune system compromise.