Hand-Foot Syndrome

A strong support network is helpful

Hand-foot syndrome appears on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet as redness, swelling, rash, pain, tingling or burning sensations, or peeling skin. It appears after 2 or 3 treatment cycles, but may occur earlier. This reaction can be severe in some patients and may require discontinuation of treatment. However, you can take steps that may help minimize the side effect of hand-foot syndrome.

Management tips

Talk with your doctor or nurse about which of the tips below may be best for you. Check with them to see if there is anything else you should watch for.

  • Do
  • Avoid

Do

  • Check your hands and feet regularly, especially between fingers and toes, for signs of skin irritation
  • Wear loose clothing and avoid tight items like restrictive belts, jewelry, undergarments, knee-highs, socks, spandex, or panty hose
  • Wear soft, comfortable, well-ventilated shoes or slippers with cushioned soles
  • Seek out cool, shady places and avoid direct sunlight
  • Wear sunblock (SPF 30 or higher) every day on all exposed skin; avoid using sunblock that contains irritants, such as perfumes
  • Wash your skin gently and avoid rough or abrasive washcloths or shower mitts
  • Use mild soaps
  • Pat your skin gently with a soft towel after bathing; do not rub
  • Apply mild, alcohol- and perfume-free lotions or creams gently to your hands and feet. Wear loose cotton gloves or socks to help absorb the lotion
  • Keep your hands and feet up when possible

Avoid

  • Contact with anything hot, including hot water or steam (for example, avoid washing the dishes by hand; avoid whirlpool baths, spas, or heated pools)
  • Using tape or adhesive bandages on your skin; if necessary, use soft bandages
  • Performing repetitive or friction-causing activities such as typing, mowing the lawn, vacuuming, sweeping, dusting, or mopping
  • Activities that put pressure on your skin, at least 24 hours before and 3 to 5 days after DOXIL® dose, such as:
    • Kneeling for long periods of time
    • Leaning on your elbows
    • Chopping hard foods (like raw vegetables)
    • Working with garden tools
    • Carrying heavy objects (like grocery bags)
    • Aerobics, power walking, or other excessive physical activity
    • Taking long walks and doing other activities that put pressure on the soles of your feet for a long time
    • Walking in bare feet