What is hand-foot syndrome

  Hand-foot syndrome is a skin toxicity caused by chemotherapy drugs. The typical clinical presentation of hand-foot syndrome is a progressively aggravated skin lesion, commonly on the palms of the hands – soles of the feet, with the hands being more susceptible than the feet. The first symptoms are pruritus of the palms and soles of the feet, congestion of the palms, fingertips and soles of the feet; followed by painful sensations at the ends of the fingers/toes, erythema and tension of the skin of the hands/feet, dullness and numbness of sensation, roughness and cracking of the skin, and in a few patients, cut-finger-like skin breakdown of the fingers, blisters, desquamation, peeling, oozing and even ulceration, and possible secondary infection. Chemotherapy drugs that cause hand-foot syndrome include capecitabine, doxorubicin, etc.  Treatment and prevention of hand-foot syndrome: 1, avoid contact with hot objects, avoid skin trauma and prolonged direct sunlight exposure (sunscreen can be applied outside), wear loose shoes and socks and gloves, avoid heavy physical activities.  2. Topical application of surface anesthetics or Benadryl cream can reduce pain and discomfort. If local blisters or ulcers appear, apply antibiotics to prevent infection.  3.Vitamin B6 and celecoxib have certain preventive and therapeutic effects on hand-foot syndrome.  4, mild hand-foot syndrome does not affect chemotherapy, generally no serious complications, do not worry too much. If grade 2-3 symptoms appear, consider adjusting the dose or extending the dosing interval appropriately, and if necessary, stop chemotherapy.