Chemotherapy-induced acral erythema
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| Chemotherapy-induced acral erythema | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Hand-foot syndrome, Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Redness, swelling, pain on palms of hands and soles of feet |
| Complications | Infection, ulceration |
| Onset | Within days to weeks of starting chemotherapy |
| Duration | Variable, often resolves after stopping chemotherapy |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Chemotherapy agents such as capecitabine, doxorubicin, sunitinib |
| Risks | High-dose chemotherapy, prolonged exposure |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation |
| Differential diagnosis | Erythromelalgia, Raynaud's phenomenon, palmoplantar keratoderma |
| Prevention | Dose adjustment, cooling of hands and feet |
| Treatment | Topical corticosteroids, analgesics, dose modification |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common in patients receiving certain chemotherapy regimens |
| Deaths | N/A |
Chemotherapy-induced acral erythema (also known as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, hand-foot syndrome, or Burgdorf reaction) is a cutaneous condition characterized by redness, swelling, and pain on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. This condition is commonly associated with certain chemotherapy drugs used in the treatment of cancer.
Signs and Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptoms of chemotherapy-induced acral erythema include:
- Redness (erythema) of the palms and soles
- Swelling (edema)
- Pain or tenderness
- Tingling or burning sensation
- Blistering in severe cases
These symptoms typically appear within days to weeks after the initiation of chemotherapy and can vary in severity.
Causes[edit]
Chemotherapy-induced acral erythema is most commonly caused by the administration of certain chemotherapy agents, including:
The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed that these drugs cause damage to the small blood vessels in the hands and feet, leading to the characteristic symptoms.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the skin changes and the patient's history of chemotherapy. A dermatologist may be consulted for further evaluation.
Treatment[edit]
Management of chemotherapy-induced acral erythema includes:
- Dose reduction or discontinuation of the offending chemotherapy agent
- Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- Pain management with analgesics
- Cooling measures such as cold packs to alleviate symptoms
- Emollients to keep the skin moisturized
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for patients with chemotherapy-induced acral erythema is generally good. Symptoms usually resolve within a few weeks after the cessation of chemotherapy. However, in some cases, symptoms may persist or recur with subsequent chemotherapy cycles.
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures include:
- Dose adjustment of chemotherapy drugs
- Use of cooling gloves and socks during chemotherapy administration
- Regular monitoring and early intervention at the first sign of symptoms
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
External Links[edit]
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