Tingling, burning, numbness: understanding CIPN in hands and feet

What CIPN is

CIPN stands for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The peripheral nerves are the long nerves that carry sensation between your hands and feet and your spinal cord. Certain chemotherapy medicines can irritate or damage them.

It is common. Studies report that up to 68% of patients have nerve-related symptoms in the first month after chemotherapy. The medicines most often linked to it are taxanes such as paclitaxel and docetaxel, platinum medicines such as oxaliplatin and cisplatin, vinca alkaloids and bortezomib.

What it feels like

• Tingling, or pins and needles
• Burning, or a feeling of heat
• Numbness, as if you are wearing thin gloves or socks
• Sharp or shooting pains
• Sensitivity to touch or to cold. Cold sensitivity is typical with oxaliplatin.
• Clumsiness with small tasks such as buttons, zips or writing
• Unsteadiness when walking

Symptoms usually start in the fingertips and toes and can spread upwards in a glove-and-stocking pattern. They tend to build with each cycle.

Why early reporting matters

CIPN is one of the side effects that can change your treatment plan. Your oncologist may adjust the dose, change the schedule, or prescribe medicine for painful neuropathy. These decisions work best when symptoms are caught early, so mention them at every visit, even when they seem minor.

Protecting hands and feet

• Wear well-fitting, closed shoes. Avoid walking barefoot.
• Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters or redness you may not have felt.
• Test bath and washing-up water with your elbow.
• Use gloves for washing up, gardening and handling hot or cold items.
• Clear trip hazards, use handrails, and keep a night light on.
• If cold triggers symptoms, wear gloves and socks and avoid cold drinks and cold surfaces.
• Keep skin moisturised. Dryness and cracks add to discomfort.

Comfort measures

Many people find that gentle massage, soft cotton socks, loose footwear and keeping hands and feet at a comfortable temperature help. Some find a cooling sensation soothing when hands and feet feel hot or tingly. If cold makes your symptoms worse, a cooling product may not suit you, so ask your oncologist first.

Where Dr. Onco fits

CIPN Relief Cream is a cosmetic comfort cream for hands and feet. It gives a cooling sensation within about a minute and cares for dry, sensitive skin with niacinamide, panthenol and ectoin. It is non-drug, NSAID-free and fragrance-free. It is made for comfort, and it does not treat nerve damage.

This guide is for general education. It does not replace the advice of your oncologist. Dr. Onco products are cosmetics, not medicines.