6 Ways to Help a Friend with Hand-Foot Syndrome
Updated June 09, 2015.
Hand-foot syndrome can be a common side effect of some chemotherapy medications. In its mildest and most common form, it can cause itchy, red, and dry hands and feet. At its most severe, it can cause skin peeling and severe pain, which can be debilitating for daily living activies. Prevention is key in the progression of HFS and there are many things that the sufferer and friends/family can do to keep the condition at bay.
Hot and warm water exacerbates skin problems in people with hand-foot syndrome (HFS). You would think that rubber gloves would offer protection, but they actually keep heat close to the hands when worn. Washing dishes for a friend can help with both HFS and cancer fatigue.
The thing about hand-foot syndrome that most people find so annoying is that you have to avoid hot water on your hands or feet. Taking a shower in lukewarm or cold water is no fun for anyone. Plus, people with HFS should not do any activities that cause friction of the hands -- this could include shampooing.
To help your friend shampoo his or her hair, have him lean over the tub or use a handheld shower head to help with shampooing.
The friction of cutting meats and veggies during food prepartion can wreak havoc on the skin of someone with HFS. Prepare meals to freeze or offer to cook a few times a week for your loved one.
Healthy take out meals are a good idea and also a timesaver. Sometimes when someone is going through chemotherapy, the smell of food being cooked can cause nausea, so take-out may be a good alternative to cooking.
Hand-foot syndrome can be a common side effect of some chemotherapy medications. In its mildest and most common form, it can cause itchy, red, and dry hands and feet. At its most severe, it can cause skin peeling and severe pain, which can be debilitating for daily living activies. Prevention is key in the progression of HFS and there are many things that the sufferer and friends/family can do to keep the condition at bay.
1. Do the Dishes.
Hot and warm water exacerbates skin problems in people with hand-foot syndrome (HFS). You would think that rubber gloves would offer protection, but they actually keep heat close to the hands when worn. Washing dishes for a friend can help with both HFS and cancer fatigue.
2. Offer to Do Yardwork and Gardening.
Chemotherapy generally makes patients more sensitive to the sun, increasing risk for sunburn. The sun is also terrible for people with HFS because it is so drying. Tasks like gardening and lawn care can be tough to tackle and also risky when you are going through chemotherapy and have HFS. Mowing the lawn, raking leaves, and weeding gardens can be a huge relief for someone with HFS.3. Help Them Wash Their Hair
The thing about hand-foot syndrome that most people find so annoying is that you have to avoid hot water on your hands or feet. Taking a shower in lukewarm or cold water is no fun for anyone. Plus, people with HFS should not do any activities that cause friction of the hands -- this could include shampooing.
To help your friend shampoo his or her hair, have him lean over the tub or use a handheld shower head to help with shampooing.
4. Help Them Avoid Excessive Walking.
Excessive walking can cause friction and stress of the soles of the feet, making HFS worse and uncomfortable. If your friend has errands or tasks that require a lot of walking like shopping, offer to take over the errands for a while.5. Get in the Driver's Seat.
Gripping a steering wheel when you have moderate HFS can be painful. The friction is also exacerbates the condition, making driving a daunting task. Instead of allowing your friend to take public transportation, why not offer to drive him to the places he needs to go? Enlist friends and family to help with the driving so your friend with HFS is never without transportation.6. Become the Cook in Their Kitchen
The friction of cutting meats and veggies during food prepartion can wreak havoc on the skin of someone with HFS. Prepare meals to freeze or offer to cook a few times a week for your loved one.
Healthy take out meals are a good idea and also a timesaver. Sometimes when someone is going through chemotherapy, the smell of food being cooked can cause nausea, so take-out may be a good alternative to cooking.
