Why do tumor patients develop erythema and tingling in their hands and feet?

 

With the use of chemotherapy and targeted drugs, patients not only experience typical adverse reactions such as liver and kidney damage, and bone marrow suppression but also encounter some skin-related adverse reactions. For example, itching, numbness, darkening of the skin, discoloration of the nails, and nail loss on the hands and feet. Beware, this may indicate the occurrence of hand-foot syndrome. Although it does not endanger the patient's life, it severely affects the patient's quality of life, leading to psychological fear and impacting anti-tumor treatment. So, how should we respond to this and detect and treat it early?

 

Concept of Hand-Foot Syndrome

Hand-foot syndrome (HFS), also known as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, is characterized by erythema of the hands and feet caused by chemotherapy. It is a characteristic cutaneous toxicity reaction related to chemotherapy. Symptoms initially manifest as numbness, tingling, and delayed sensation in the hands and feet, gradually progressing to desquamation, erosion, and ulceration. If left untreated, it can worsen, even forming blistering skin lesions, which can lead to unplanned reduction or discontinuation of chemotherapy or targeted drug dosage, affecting the effectiveness of treatment and survival, and reducing the patient's quality of life.

 

Prevention of Hand-Foot Syndrome - Conditions such as pressure, friction, trauma, and high temperature are all risk factors for inducing HFS.

1. Avoid local friction on the hands and feet, wear loose and soft gloves or socks;

2. Keep the skin moisturized, use moisturizers and creams to protect the skin after bathing with warm water;

3. Pay attention to keeping warm, avoid high temperatures or cold stimuli, such as soaking in hot water, or contact with ice water;

4. Avoid excessive sun exposure, use sunscreen when going out, and use umbrellas or hats to shade;

5. Eat a light diet, avoid spicy foods;

6. Maintain a daily water intake of more than 2500 ml to promote drug excretion from the body and reduce damage to the body;

7. Avoid skin trauma and prevent skin infections;

8. Once HFS occurs, immediately inform medical staff.

 

Hand-foot syndrome is a common adverse reaction to chemotherapy and targeted drugs and is not contagious to others. Hand-foot syndrome can be cured, and after cure, it does not affect daily life or the aesthetics of the hands and feet. Therefore, do not be afraid or fearful of it.

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