Sore Hands and Feet (Hand and Foot Syndrome)

Many cancer drugs can affect your skin and/or nails in different ways. One particular skin problem is called Hand and Foot Syndrome (its medical name is PPE (Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia). This affects the hands/fingers and soles of the feet which can become red, sore, cracked or blistered. This can be a particular problem for those patients on Capecitabine (Xeloda) and Caelyx (Liposomal Doxorubicin).

The side effects are usually temporary and can include problems such as soreness, itching, redness, peeling or flaking skin, cracks, blisters, rash, swelling and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Some people may also find they experience nail problems such as their nails becoming dry, brittle or discoloured, developing ridges, growing slowly, flaking or in some cases they may even fall out.

Unfortunately there are no effective treatments currently available to completely rid people of Hand and Foot Syndrome during their chemotherapy. Your doctor may decide to prescribe Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) which has been shown to help some people.

More severe symptoms may mean that the chemotherapy dose is too strong for you, and your doctor may modify or defer your treatment for a short time to allow your hands and feet to heal. Some people worry about reducing or deferring their treatment, but these actions are a normal part of delivering chemotherapy safely to individual patients and can actually reduce the risk of having to stop treatment altogether.

Looking after your skin

Although the incidence of severe symptoms of Hand and Foot syndrome are low, even milder symptoms can have an effect on your day to day living.

Consider the advice below on how to cope with sore hands and feet:

Keep your skin well moisturised by regularly using unscented moisturising creams (for example E45 Cream).

Try to avoid unnecessary pressure or friction to the skin.

Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes, socks and shoes.

Pat dry, rather than rub, your hands and feet with a towel.

Try to avoid holding very hot or cold drinks.

If you are out in the sun make sure your skin is covered up and always wear high factor sun block (no less than factor 30).

It is important if you get sore hands or feet you inform your medical team or nurse specialist before starting your next cycle of treatment even if there is an improvement.