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Real members of MyLeukemiaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone experienced leukemia cutis skin condition?

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Boston, MA
August 19, 2025
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MyLeukemiaTeam

Leukemia cutis is a rare skin condition that affects about 3% of people with leukemia. It occurs when leukemia cells spread to the skin or just below it, causing visible changes.

Common symptoms include
• Small, firm bumps (papules)
• Medium-sized bumps (nodules)
• Large patches (plaques)
• Red, brown, or purple markings Show Full Answer

Leukemia cutis is a rare skin condition that affects about 3% of people with leukemia. It occurs when leukemia cells spread to the skin or just below it, causing visible changes.

Common symptoms include:
• Small, firm bumps (papules)
• Medium-sized bumps (nodules)
• Large patches (plaques)
• Red, brown, or purple markings on adults
• Blue-colored spots in infants A MyLeukemiaTeam member shared their experience when their oncologist suspected a related condition called Richter transformation after noticing significant lymph node growth from 2 centimeters to 11 centimeters.

If you notice any new skin changes, it's important to consult with your dermatologist, as a skin biopsy may be needed for proper diagnosis. People with leukemia may be more susceptible to skin infections due to compromised immune systems.

August 19, 2025
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

"Petechiae" are small, pinpoint-sized red or purple spots that appear on the skin (may look like a rash?) due to bleeding under the capillaries. When I over exercise these happen on my lower leg. The more exercise I do the color change can be pink, reddish, purple? These go away after a few days of no activities. For a few month I had these until I realized that my activities cause this skin problem? After a week of no exercise my skin cleared up.

August 27, 2025

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