Hand-foot syndrome and hand-foot skin reaction

Overview

• Capecitabine for residual triple-negative breast cancer after chemotherapy: in CREATE-X hand-foot syndrome affected 73.4% of people taking it. Report sore, red or peeling palms and soles early, because doses are adjusted rather than stopped.
• Fluorouracil (in FOLFIRINOX) and capecitabine (in GemCap and chemoradiotherapy) can cause sore, red or peeling palms and soles; Macmillan says to contact the 24-hour line, especially with broken skin or if walking is difficult, and to moisturise, wear gloves for housework and loose cotton socks.
• Capecitabine (in CAPOX and as a single tablet after surgery) and infused fluorouracil can make the palms and soles sore, red, dry or peeling. Macmillan says to keep hands and feet cool by washing in cool water, to moisturise gently and regularly, and to contact the hospital on the 24-hour number if the skin around the nails becomes sore and swollen, which may be a sign of infection.