Taking care of your hands and feet during cancer treatment

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Cancer treatments: weakened skin

Chemotherapy and targeted treatments can dry out the skin on your hands and feet. These cancer treatments weaken the small blood vessels in the skin, causing inflammatory reactions. The result: redness, swelling, cracks, thickening of the skin, etc. To soothe and soften your hands and feet, several everyday steps can be useful and effective. Appropriate products also help to relieve the skin and protect the palms and soles of the feet, not forgetting the fingers and toes, right down to the tips of the nails.
At the slightest question or the slightest trauma, shock, cut, etc. do not hesitate to consult a doctor to treat the situation as quickly as possible and in an appropriate manner to avoid a deterioration of the situation or even an infection.

What can you do about hand-foot syndrome?

Hand-foot syndrome is an inflammatory condition of the palms and soles following certain chemotherapies or targeted treatments. It is characterised by redness, swelling, dryness and/or blisters. To limit these adverse effects, we recommend wearing gloves during daily activities and generously applying a moisturising hand care product several times a day. For the feet, wearing cotton socks, comfortable shoes and sometimes even orthopaedic insoles are highly recommended, without forgetting to apply a moisturiser.
What should be avoided or limited?

Exposure of hands and feet to heat, activities involving skin rubbing or pressure on the hands, such as housework, driving or gardening. Avoid walking for too long, limit running. Before starting cancer treatment, foot care is recommended to remove all calluses, which are the areas most at risk of the side effects.

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Nourishing treatments and wraps for thickening skin

Following cancer treatment, the skin can sometimes tend to thicken. As a result, it becomes rough and sometimes painful.

Nourish the skin…

To reduce skin thickening on the hands and feet, apply a highly emollient cream. If possible, this should be done several times a day, focusing on your heels and other supporting areas.

...and cover it to boost the effects

To make this frequent moisturising step as effective as possible, there is a method: wraps. Your hands and feet are covered with cotton or silk gloves and socks after having gently massaged in a sufficient amount of emollient. Tip: for greater effectiveness, keep your gloves or socks on overnight.

Combating dry skin during cancer treatment

FRIENDLY (AND EXPERT) ADVICE

Don't forget your nails

In terms of hand and foot care, it is essential not to forget your nails, which need just as much attention. When an emollient is applied to your hands or feet, the edge and the nail plate should also be moisturised and massaged. Other tips to protect this area: don't cut your nails too short and don't touch the cuticles to avoid micro-injuries. If you want to apply a varnish, choose a non-pearlised, silicon-based varnish and opt for an acetone-free nail polish remover when removing it. Don't hesitate to call on a socio-aesthetician to carry out these treatments.

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Taking action against cracks

Cancer therapies often lead to dryness, which encourages the development of cracks. To prevent them from developing and to reduce their impact on daily activities, a few things should be done. Avoid long, hot baths. Also, dermatological bars or cleansing oils should be used as opposed to liquid or solid soaps. It is best to use very mild, soap- and fragrance-free cleansing products for both hands and feet. Finally, moisturising with an emollient several times a day helps to prevent the formation of cracks and reduce discomfort.