Differentiating Skin Rash After Stem Cell Transplantation: Graft Versus Host Disease, Cutaneous Reactions to Drugs and Viral Exanthema

Dermatologic Conditions of the Early Post-Transplant Period in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients

Hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCTs) are used to treat a variety of conditions, including hematologic malignancies, bone marrow failure syndromes, and immunodeficiencies. Over 60,000 HSCTs are performed annually worldwide, and the numbers continue to increase. Indeed, as new conditioning regimens develop, more and more individuals, including those of older age, will be eligible for transplants. Nevertheless, although HSCTs are clearly a life-saving and necessary treatment for thousands of patients per year, there is still substantial morbidity and mortality associated with the procedure. Of note, skin eruptions in the post-HSCT period are frequent and often significantly reduce quality of life in recipients. Moreover, these cutaneous findings sometimes herald an underlying systemic condition, presenting possible opportunities for timelier intervention. Dermatologists therefore play a vital role in distinguishing life-threatening conditions from benign issues and prompting recognition of critical complications earlier in their course. This article aims to review the major dermatologic conditions occurring in the early post-HSCT period.