Dermatologic manifestations of infections in neutropenic patients.

Skin lesions may serve as the site of origin for disseminated infection in neutropenic patients or result as a secondary consequence of disseminated infection from another source. It is important to recognize the characteristic skin lesions associated with infections, such as those caused by Clostridium spp, Candida spp, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, so that appropriate therapy is initiated promptly. Unfortunately, therapy for some of these infections, especially those caused by fungi, is unsatisfactory in persistly neutropenic patients. Antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral prophylaxes have caused a significant reduction in some of these infections.