Hand-Foot Syndrome Presentation Post-Capecitabine Treatment in a Black Patient

Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, commonly known as hand-foot syndrome (HFS), is a side-effect of cancer chemotherapeutic agents such as capecitabine. Patients with HFS oftentimes present with palmoplantar numbness, tingling, burning pain, and/or hyperpigmentation; in advanced grades, blistering and ulceration may occur. In this article, we present the case of a Black patient with grade 1 HFS post-capecitabine treatment for metastasized breast cancer. Prompt recognition for atypical HFS symptom presentation in people of color and discontinuation of capecitabine with supportive treatment can prevent progression to grade 2+ HFS that limits activities of daily living (ADLs).