Dry, Cracked Palms & Soles

Hand-foot syndrome (also called palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia) is a skin reaction on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. It is linked to certain cancer medicines, including capecitabine, 5-fluorouracil, liposomal doxorubicin and some targeted therapies such as sorafenib, sunitinib and regorafenib.

Palms and soles are vulnerable because they take constant pressure and friction in everyday use.

It typically appears within the first few weeks or cycles of treatment. With some targeted therapies it can appear earlier. Symptoms often ease between cycles and return with the next one.

Because it tends to start mild and build, many oncologists advise starting moisturising care on Day 1 instead of waiting for symptoms.

• Redness, similar to sunburn
• Tingling, tenderness or burning
• Dry, tight skin that thickens, especially on heels and pressure points
• Peeling and cracking
• In more severe cases, swelling, blisters and pain that makes it hard to walk or hold things

• Moisturise palms and soles several times a day. Creams containing urea are widely used for this.
• Avoid hot water. Take short, lukewarm showers and pat skin dry.
• Reduce friction and pressure. Avoid long walks, tight shoes and gripping tools tightly.
• Wear soft, cushioned footwear and cotton socks. Go barefoot as little as possible on hard floors.
• Use gloves for washing up and housework.
• If hands and feet feel hot, cool them with a cool compress. Avoid ice.
• Do not pick or cut peeling skin.

Foot Rescue Roll-On delivers 10% urea with skin-identical ceramides, niacinamide and panthenol to palms and soles. Urea hydrates and softens thickened skin, ceramides support the barrier, and petrolatum and dimethicone form a protective film on pressure-prone areas.

The roll-on format means no bending and very little rubbing on tender skin.