Hand-Foot
Syndrome (HFS), also known as palmoplantar erythematous sensory loss syndrome, is a common side effect of chemotherapy. It is especially prone to occur with the use of certain drugs such as Capecitabine and Docetaxel. Patients will have numbness, pain, swelling, peeling, and even blisters and ulcers on the palms and soles of their feet, seriously affecting their quality of life.
Symptoms
of hand-foot syndrome
Initial symptoms
The skin on
the palms and soles of the feet begins to feel tingling or numbness, and there may be slight redness and swelling.
Medium-term symptoms
Aggravation of
redness and swelling, obvious pain, dry and peeling skin.
Late symptoms
Severe pain, blisters, ulcers, erosion formation, and even ulcer infection, accompanied by nail loss.
Causes
of Hand-Foot Syndrome The exact mechanism
of hand-foot syndrome is not yet fully understood, but it is believed that chemotherapy drugs reach the capillaries of the hands and feet through the blood, destroying local skin cells and causing tissue damage. Possible causes include:
1. Accumulation of high concentrations of chemotherapy drugs in the palms and soles of the feet.
2. Continuous friction and pressure increase the susceptibility of the skin.
3. Drug-induced cytotoxic reactions
Prevention and management measures
Prevention and management of hand-foot syndrome requires a combination of medication adjustments and lifestyle changes.
① Adjust the chemotherapy drugs to relieve symptoms by adjusting the dosage of chemotherapy drugs or changing the dosage regimen.
② Medication Many studies have shown that oral vitamin B 6, cortisol steroid hormone or celecoxib can effectively prevent hand-foot syndrome, and another recent study has shown that topical “Voltaren ointment” can also play a preventive role.
③ Skin care is very important to keep the skin of hands and feet moist. Use a mild moisturizer and avoid harsh products.
④ Reduce friction and pressure, wear loose and breathable shoes and clothes, avoid standing and walking for a long time, and reduce friction between hands and feet.
⑤ Cold compress During and after chemotherapy, cold compress can be applied to the hands and feet to relieve discomfort and redness.
⑥ Dietary regulation, drinking more water and maintaining good nutritional intake will help the body recover and resist side effects.
When
do I need medical attention
?
If the following conditions occur, it is recommended to seek medical treatment in time:
The
pain is aggravated and affects daily activities.
Have blisters or ulcers on
your hands and feet, and worry about infection.
Severe
redness and swelling, accompanied by fever and other systemic symptoms.
Hand-foot syndrome is a common side effect of breast cancer chemotherapy, but through early identification and reasonable management, it can effectively alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. Under the guidance of doctors, we should adjust the medication and lifestyle, face it positively and prevent it
scientifically.
