Skin infections and non-healing wounds are more common during cancer treatment because chemotherapy, targeted therapy, steroids, and the disease itself weaken the skin barrier and the immune response. Bacterial infections (cellulitis, abscesses, infected paronychia), viral reactivation (shingles, cold sores), fungal infections, and ulcers at sites of radiation, pressure, or tumor all need early recognition because they can delay or interrupt treatment.

What causes skin infections during cancer therapy?

Low white blood cell counts, cracked or dry skin from targeted therapy, damage from radiation, intravenous lines and ports, and immune suppression. Shingles is especially common after chemotherapy or in patients with blood cancers.

What are the warning signs?

Spreading redness that is warm and tender, pus or drainage, fever, a painful one-sided band of blisters, a wound that is enlarging or not closing after two weeks, or black tissue in a wound. In patients with low blood counts, even mild redness warrants prompt evaluation.

How are skin infections and ulcers treated?

Culture-guided antibiotics or antivirals, wound care with appropriate dressings, offloading pressure, and treatment of the underlying skin toxicity so the barrier can heal. Ulcers are evaluated for infection, vascular supply, and, when there is any doubt, biopsied to exclude tumor. Care is coordinated with oncology so systemic therapy can be timed safely.

How Tono treats skin infections and ulcers

Tono's board-certified dermatologists see patients with a skin infection or ulcer within days, not months, by video visit in 33 states and in person at Tono clinical centers. Tono dermatologists see cancer patients with skin infections and wounds within days, often the same day by telehealth for triage, and coordinate cultures, wound care, and treatment with your oncology team. Your visit ends with a written plan, prescriptions sent to your pharmacy, and follow-up scheduled with the same dermatologist. Most insurance is accepted and no referral is required.

When should I see a dermatologist for a skin infection or ulcer?

Seek same-day care for fever with a skin change, spreading redness, or a painful blistering rash on one side of the body. See a dermatologist for any wound that is not healing after two weeks.