Intertriginous infections in adults receiving antileukemia chemotherapy

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One of the many organs affected by chemotherapy is the skin. Granulocytopenia, immunosuppression, and changes in the microbial flora induced by chemotherapy weaken the skin's barrier ability against infection. In places where skin touches skin, moisture, warmth, darkness, and chafing encourage infection by various organisms. The authors describe their study of intertriginous infections, particularly of the axillary, inguinal, and perianal areas, in patients being treated for leukemia and provide illustrations of the resulting lesions.