title: Management of Paclitaxel-induced hand-foot syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hand-foot syndrome (HFS), also known as acral erythema or palmoplantar dysesthesia, is a manifestation of painful erythema and dysesthesia mostly occurring in the palms and soles. Although many chemotherapeutic agents have been shown to cause HFS, it remains an uncommon adverse cutaneous manifestation of paclitaxel.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a case of paclitaxel-induced grade 3 HFS in a patient with breast cancer. HFS developed after 6 weeks of paclitaxel weekly infusions. The patient was managed by avoidance of sun exposure and extensive use of sunscreen and moisturizers. The skin lesions stabilized and improved gradually. This allowed us to continue the planned necessary course of 12 weeks of paclitaxel under close surveillance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Paclitaxel-induced HFS can be managed with topical creams and avoidance of sun exposure without the need to discontinue chemotherapy. However, close monitoring for any increase or change in symptoms is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Hussein A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Assi
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Zeina A
authors.initials: ZA
authors.lastname: Ayoub
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Sara M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Jaber
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Hassan A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Sibai
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Nagi S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: El Saghir
keywords: Breast cancer; Hand-foot syndrome; Paclitaxel