[Cutaneous lesions induced by long-term use of hydroxyurea]

The authors report 3 cases of patients having myeloid chronic leukemia presenting skin changes after long-term hydroxyurea therapy. Some of these side effects are already known; such as dryness, pigmentation, spontaneous necrotizing ulceration and chromonychia with longitudinal pigmented bands. Two new signs are described: a band-like erythema on the dorsum of the fingers and toes, as in dermatomyositis and a plantar keratoderma which interpretation is difficult in such a context. The hydroxyurea's imputability is discussed. These lesions altogether are very suggestive of skin changes after hydroxyurea therapy. The occurrence of such phenomena is quite frequent.