What medication is used to treat cancer but may lead to difficulty in healing?

Chemotherapy is a treatment commonly used for various types of cancer, involving the use of drugs designed to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. One significant side effect of chemotherapy is its impact on the body's ability to heal. This occurs because chemotherapy targets not only fast-growing cancer cells but also affects other rapidly dividing cells, such as those in the bone marrow, which produce blood cells essential for healing and fighting infections. As a result, patients undergoing chemotherapy may experience lower white blood cell counts, making them more susceptible to infections and prolonging the healing process after surgeries or injuries. This understanding is critical for skincare practitioners who need to customize their treatments according to the patient's current health status and treatment regimen.

Other medications listed do not primarily cause healing difficulties in the same way. Antibiotics are designed to fight bacterial infections and can aid healing when an infection is present. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to relieve pain and inflammation, which can be beneficial for recovery. Narcotics are primarily used for pain management, and while they can have side effects, they do not inherently lead to a difficulty in healing as chemotherapy does.