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Treatment Options > Chemotherapy > Side Effects

Patient Guide to Hand-Foot Syndrome

Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, AOCN
The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: March 16, 2007

If I develop HFS, what can be done?

The most important first step is to notify your doctor right away if you notice any numbness, tingling, redness, peeling, swelling, or pain. Your doctor may stop the chemotherapy for a short period to allow the skin to heal, but in many cases, reducing the dose is enough to allow the skin to heal. Dose reduction or a break from therapy is the only thing proven to heal HFS, but some other strategies can help you deal with the discomfort or help HFS to heal faster.

• Soaking the hands and/or feet in cold water or applying ice packs can relieve pain and tenderness. Use a bag of frozen peas or corn, as these can conform to your hand or foot. Do not keep the cold on for more than 15-20 minutes at a time, but you can alternate the ice on and off.
• Continue to use lotions or moisturizers often, but applied gently.
• Elevating the hands or feet may help decrease swelling.
• Some doctors use vitamin B6 (50 to 150 milligrams per day) to help speed healing. Talk to your doctor before taking any vitamins.
• An over the counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, may help with the discomfort. Talk to your doctor before taking any medications.
• If you develop blisters, do not break them as they can become infected.
• If you develop a fever (temperature above 100.4), call your doctor right away.

Most importantly: Notify your doctor as soon as you notice any symptoms of HFS! Do not "wait and see" if the symptoms will improve on their own.

My doctor's phone number: __________________

Where to call after office hours or on the weekend: _________________