Leukemia rash: Pictures, symptoms, and when to see a doctor Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Leukemia rash picturesMedically reviewed by Teresa Hagan Thomas PHD, BA, RN — By Aaron Kandola — Updated on June 15, 2022Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. People with leukemia may have skin-related issues, such as a rash or bruising. When a person has leukemia, their body produces too many white blood cells. As they continue to grow, they crowd out the other cells in the blood, such as the red blood cells and platelets. These changes can lead to various skin symptoms. Treatment for leukemia can also affect the skin. Skin symptoms that can occur with leukemia include: easy bruisingpetechiae or purpuramouth soresmore frequent skin infectionsother rashes This article looks at some skin changes that can occur with leukemia, how to identify them, and which treatment, if any, may help. Leukemia rash pictures The following images show some ways in which leukemia can affect the skin. More detail is below. Which skin symptoms can occur Here are some of the skin rashes and symptoms a person may experience with leukemia. Petechiae and purpura Petechiae are tiny spots that happen when small blood vessels called capillaries break under the skin. They are less than 2 millimeters across. Larger areas are known as purpura. Petechiae and purpura can be early signs of leukemia, although they may happen for many other reasons. Leukemia disrupts the production of platelets, which usually enable blood to clot. As platelet levels fall, it becomes harder for them to block any burst capillaries. As a result, the blood can leak out into the skin. Petechiae and purpura may appear red, purple, or brown. On darker skin, they can be harder to spot, but they may be easier to see on lighter areas, for example, the soles of the feet or palms of the hands. To distinguish petechiae from a skin rash, a person can press down on the affected area using a finger or thumb. Petechiae and purpura will not change color, but a rash will turn white. Petechiae and purpura do not need specific treatment. Easy bruising Easy bruising and bleeding are common symptoms of leukemia. A person may notice them before they receive a diagnosis. Bruises are common after an injury, but they may be a sign of leukemia if:they happen even after a small knock, or a person cannot remember doing anything to cause them they appear in unusual places, such as the back or handsthere are many bruises, or they happen oftenthey take longer than usual to disappearthey occur along with easy bleeding As with petechiae, the body cannot prevent blood vessels from bleeding under the skin when an injury occurs. However, these bruises are different from petechiae. They look like regular bruises. Why else might a person bleed easily? Leukemia cutis Leukemia cutis can occur in the later stages of leukemia. It is more likely with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) but can occur with other types. The skin develops small bumps that look like a rash. A person may notice: papules on the skinnodules that feel firm or rubberyplaques In some cases, the following may occur:erythema, which makes the skin look red or darker in color, depending on the person’s skin toneerythroderma — a widespread skin inflammation that can be life threateningskin ulcersblistering The lesions may be red, brown, yellow, blue, gray, or purple. On darker skin, they can be harder to see. As with petechiae and purpura, they may be more visible on lighter areas, such as the hands and feet. With deeper lesions, the skin color may not change. If chemotherapy and other treatments for leukemia are effective, the symptoms of leukemia cutis will disappear. Easy bleeding People with leukemia often bleed more easily than before. This is because the blood does not clot effectively due to low platelet levels. The individual may notice:bleeding a lot after small woundsnosebleedsbleeding gums when brushing the teethblood in urineblood in stool Sweet syndrome Sweet syndrome can occur with various health conditions, including leukemia and other cancers. Doctors do not know precisely why it occurs. It can lead to:inflamed plaques or nodules on the skin of varying sizes and in a pattern that is not symmetricalpustular lesions, ulcers, and blistersmouth ulcers, in some casesfeverjoint painfatigueheadacheeye inflammation Skin changes can affect the face, neck, chest, and back. They are more likely in the upper extremities, such as the hands, but can also occur in the lower extremities. Steroid treatment may help manage Sweet syndrome. Mastocytosis Mastocytosis is a rash that occurs with some types of leukemia. It happens when there is too much mast cell activity. Mast cells play a role in the immune system and are present in connective tissue. The mast cells trigger the release of compounds that stimulate the blood vessels. The symptoms can resemble those of an allergic reaction. They can affect all the body’s systems. Skin symptoms include:flushingitchinga rashswelling under the skin, known as angioedema Anaphylaxis may also occur. This is a life threatening emergency in which an allergic reaction causes severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. The symptoms develop suddenly and include:hivesswelling of the face or mouthwheezingfast, shallow breathinga fast heart rateclammy skinanxiety or confusiondizzinessvomitingblue or white lipsfainting or loss of consciousness If someone has these symptoms:Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the side of the pen to use it.Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.Lay the person down from a standing position. If they have vomited, turn them onto their side.Stay with them until the emergency services arrive. Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection. If the symptoms do not improve in 5–15 minutes, or they come back, use a second pen if the person has one. There is no specific treatment for mastocytosis that occurs with leukemia. A doctor may prescribe antihistamines or other medications. Mouth sores Leukemia often causes mouth problems. Sores, oral infections, and other symptoms may be early signs of leukemia. Oral symptoms of leukemia include:swelling of the gums or in the cheeksbleeding from the gumsmouth ulcerspetechiae in the mouthpaleness in the mucous membranes, such as inside the cheeksreduced ability to move the jaw, known as trismus or lockjaw Topical treatments and over-the-counter pain medications can help manage discomfort due to mouth sores. A doctor may recommend a medicated mouthwash. In some cases, steroids can help. Pale skin People with leukemia can also develop anemia. This can cause the skin to appear pale or greyish if a person has darker skin. Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. A reduction in hemoglobin lowers the amount of oxygen circulating in the body. As well as paleness, this can lead to:fatigue and weaknessbody achesdifficulty breathingfaintness or dizzinessa rapid heartbeat Anemia can happen for many reasons, including leukemia and treatments for leukemia, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. A blood transfusion can boost red blood cells if anemia is severe. Which skin symptoms can occur with AML? Other symptoms of leukemia In addition to a rash, leukemia can cause a range of symptoms, including:easy bruising and bleedingfeverfrequent infectionsanemiabone or joint painfatigue and weaknessunexpected weight lossbreathlessnesspale skinswollen lymph nodes, for instance, under the arms or in the neck or groin When to see a doctor Rashes and other skin problems can occur for many reasons. However, a person should see a doctor if they:are bleeding or bruising more easily than beforehave purple patches on the skin that could be petechiaestart developing frequent mouth sores and other oral problemshave other symptoms, such as fatigue, that could indicate a problem These may be early signs of leukemia. A person should also contact their treatment team if they have a diagnosis of leukemia and are concerned about new skin symptoms. Learn more about other possible causes of skin rashes here. Frequently asked questions Here are some questions people often ask about leukemia skin symptoms. What does a leukemia rash look like This will depend on the rash, but leukemia and other health conditions can cause tiny red spots called petechiae on the skin or purple areas called purpura. The patches will not disappear if a person presses on them. What does leukemia bruising look like A person with leukemia may bruise more easily than before and in unusual places. They may also develop petechiae or purpura — red or purple patches that, like bruises, result from bleeding under the skin. Is a rash a symptom of leukemia Petechiae and purpura can be the first sign of leukemia a person notices. However, they can also result from other conditions. People with leukemia can also be more prone to infections, including skin infections. Summary A wide range of factors can lead to a rash, easy bruising, and other skin symptoms. However, people with leukemia may be more susceptible to certain skin changes. If a person notices new or unusual skin symptoms, they should seek medical advice. A doctor can often prescribe effective treatment for skin rashes, but they may also wish to see if there is an underlying cause. Last medically reviewed on June 15, 2022DermatologyLeukemiaBlood / HematologyCancer / OncologyMedically reviewed by Teresa Hagan Thomas PHD, BA, RN — By Aaron Kandola — Updated on June 15, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat to know about rashes and acute myeloid leukemiaMedically reviewed by Jenneh Rishe, RN Some people with acute myeloid leukemia may notice a rash, red spots, or bruising on their skin. Learn more here.READ MOREWhat to know about leukemia Leukemia is cancer of the blood and bone marrow. 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