Janusch, M., Fischer, M., Marsch, W., Holzhausen, H.J., Kegel, T., & Helmbold, P. (2006). The hand-foot syndrome—A frequent secondary manifestation in antineoplastic chemotherapy. European Journal of Dermatology, 16, 494–499.

• The author described strategies to prevent or minimize symptoms of palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE).
  • Dose reduction or interruption of therapy often is necessary.
  • Use a systemic strategy.
  • Pyridoxine has been found beneficial as therapy (doses of 50–150 mg per day).
  • High-potency corticosteroids and a wet disinfectant treatment of blisters and erosions have been effective as local topical therapy. For grade 1 PPE, avoiding mechanical irritation of the skin on the palms and soles and mild emollient creams are sufficient. Cooling the affected areas with a cooling battery or hand and foot baths (without extensive washing) may relieve the symptoms.

Multiple interventions can be implemented to prevent or minimize PPE, including teaching patients to avoid mechanical irritation of the skin, use topical emollient creams, and use regional cooling.