Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most common types of adult leukemia. It begins in the bone marrow, leading to an overproduction of a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes.

CLL is a form of leukemia that develops slowly. It is possible to experience fatigue and enlarged lysies in the early stages, but it is also possible to experience other skin issues.

It’s estimated that 25 percent of people with CLL experience skin lesions. Additionally, CLL may also increase your risk of developing secondary skin cancers.

Learn more about CLL skin diseases, including their causes, what they look like, and how they are usually treated.

The symptoms of CLL-related skin lesions can be different for each person.

  • Your skin is inflammation and redness.
  • There is general itching of your skin.
  • Large, painful nodules.
  • Large blisters with fluid-filled blisters.
  • blisters on your lips, mouth, and skin are called Paraneoplastic pemphigus are diseases..
  • An increased risk of skin infections, such as after being bitten by a bug.

CLL may also cause you to bleed or bruise easily. As the cancer progresses, this can lead to small pinpoints of dark spots under your skin called petechiae.

CLL is a slow-developing form of leukemia. You may not experience symptoms such as skin lesions until the cancer has progressed.

If you have CLL, blood stem cells that normally become healthy red or white blood cells turn into atypical lymphocytes instead.

These cells are called leukemia cells and they can affect your blood and bone marrow in many ways.

There are three types of cells.

  • B cells create antibodies that help fight infections.
  • T lymphocytes help create an immune system.
  • Natural killer cells fight diseases.

Having too many lymphocytes from CLL may also result in skin lesions and increase your risk of related infections. CLL-related skin lesions are also called leukemia cutis.

There are some skin diseases that may be associated with CLL.

  • bullous pemphigoid is a large reptile.
  • Exfoliative erythroderma.
  • There is a nodular erythema.
  • Paraneoplastic pemphigus are diseases.

With CLL, you may be up to 8 times more likely to develop secondary skin cancers compared to someone who does not have this cancer. These secondary skin cancers can include:

Since the risk of developing secondary skin cancers from CLL is high, it’s important to check your skin at least monthly for any signs of suspicious lesions.

If you notice, contact a doctor or dermatologist.

  • a mole that is changing in size and color and that looks different from other moles you may have
  • A patch that does not go away.
  • Any growths are dome-shaped.
  • Nonhealing sores that do not go away or return are itching, bleeding, or other symptoms.
  • streaks under your nails that are brown or black

A doctor may perform a procedure on the skin. This involves taking a small sample of the mole to look for cancer cells.

The sooner you find skin cancer, the better.

Treatment for CLL-related skin lesions usually involves targeting the underlying cancer cells. Treatment options for CLL may include:

  • chemotherapy, which kills cancer cells
  • White blood cells are removed via a specialized machine.
  • radiation therapy, which destroys cancer cells with high energy rays
  • stem cell transplants, with or without chemotherapy
  • Monoclonal antibodies are targeted therapies.

If you have skin infections from leukemia cutis, you may need to take antibiotics to help prevent the spread ofbacteria.

It’s important to see a doctor to address unusual skin lesions. Not only is there an increased risk of infections, but these lesions could also be signs of CLL progression.

The lymph nodes, spleen, and liver are places where CLL may spread. Other possible signs of CLL progression include skin cancer and secondary skin cancer.

A doctor will check your blood cell numbers and platelets to see if there is any cancer. X-rays may be needed to see if CLL has spread.

Leukemia cells enter the skin. This can cause skin issues. Widespread redness, inflammation, and itchiness are also possible.

Skin diseases could be a sign that the cancer has spread. It is possible to develop secondary skin cancers when you have CLL.

If you develop any new skin problems, such as moles, or signs of a skin infection, you should see a doctor right away. Symptoms of skin diseases may be improved by treatment for CLL. Treatments for skin cancer and infections will be separate.