Hand and Foot syndrome from chemo (peeling & flaking of skin, sometimes cutting into flesh)
A buddy with TNBC is visiting from Vic & mentioned that she'd heard of a trial where Voltaren/Diclofenac gel was used on patients undergoing Xeloda chemo (which often causes hand & foot syndrome) and it actually REDUCES the amount and severity of the peeling & cracking of skin, particularly if used twice daily BEFORE the syndrome starts - by 75%!
If the skin peels & flakes (often in slabs), it can cause the flesh to 'split' and even bleed .... so better to stop it before it starts, if you can.
I wish I'd known that when hubby was on the treatment - as he had severe H&F syndrome! :(
Check out the document here:
https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/diclofenac-prevents-hand-foot-syndrome
If you DO have peeling/flaking of feet (in particular) - get checked out by a podiatrist - do NOT try & 'peel' the skin off, as that can cause bleeding & intense pain - even infections, which you don't want! The podiatrist has special tools to remove the peeling skin & smooth off the edges .... and they can advise on other treatments too.
It is VERY important, if you are a diabetic - to maintain good foot health.
If the skin peels & flakes (often in slabs), it can cause the flesh to 'split' and even bleed .... so better to stop it before it starts, if you can.
I wish I'd known that when hubby was on the treatment - as he had severe H&F syndrome! :(
Check out the document here:
https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/diclofenac-prevents-hand-foot-syndrome
If you DO have peeling/flaking of feet (in particular) - get checked out by a podiatrist - do NOT try & 'peel' the skin off, as that can cause bleeding & intense pain - even infections, which you don't want! The podiatrist has special tools to remove the peeling skin & smooth off the edges .... and they can advise on other treatments too.
It is VERY important, if you are a diabetic - to maintain good foot health.