Download Hand foot syndrome

Hand foot
syndrome
What is it?
Hand foot syndrome is a common side effect associated
with a number of chemotherapy drugs affecting the skin
and sensation on the palms and soles.
What causes it?
The exact causative mechanism of hand foot syndrome
is unknown.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Hand foot syndrome may occur days to weeks after
commencing treatment with certain chemotherapy
drugs. It most commonly develops after six weeks of
treatment. The symptoms usually resolve within two
weeks if the drug causing the effect is stopped. Hand
foot syndrome is characterised by the gradual onset of
reactions over the palms and soles including:
• skin redness
• tenderness
• pain
• swelling
• tingling
• numbness
• itching
• blistering lesions
• dry rash
• thinning and broken skin which weeps fluid
• ulceration
• sensory impairment
How do we prevent and/or manage it?
Your health care team will discuss if you are at risk of hand
foot syndrome before starting treatment. Prior to starting
treatment, it is recommended that you avoid use of soaps, use
lukewarm water, avoid heat and sun exposure and liberally use
emollients on skin.
The following interventions may assist in reducing the
development and severity of hand foot syndrome as well as
reducing pain, discomfort and secondary infection:
• gently apply an emollient to hands and feet daily e.g. an
emollient containing urea 10%
• bathe or shower in luke warm water
• soak hands and feet in a basin of cold water for 15
minutes three to four times per day if possible
• avoid sun exposure and use a sunscreen SPF 30+ or
greater
• avoid activities that cause friction and rubbing of the
skin surfaces or even slight pressure on hands, such as
vigorous washing, clasping or clapping of hands, gripping
tools or appliances, typing, playing musical instruments
and driving
• avoid contact with chemicals such as detergents and
cleaning products
• elevate hands and feet when sitting
• wear cotton gloves
• wear thick cotton socks especially if standing for long
periods
• use a gel shoe insole cooled prior to insertion
• avoid tight-fitting shoes
• avoid any unnecessary walking, jogging or vigorous
exercise
• avoid topical anaesthetic containing creams as they may
exacerbate skin toxicity
• avoid exposure of hands and feet to heat
• report any skin changes to health professionals as soon
as possible
Symptoms may be treated using topical wound care, cold
compresses, moisturisers, topical corticosteroids and systemic
analgesics. The most effective treatment for hand foot
syndrome involves delaying planned treatment or reducing
treatment dosages. Severe cases may require stopping the
causative chemotherapy drug and/or referral to dermatologist.
Every patient is different, please discuss your own personal
situation with your treating doctor.
iconcancercare.com.au