2012 Feb: Chemotherapy and Fingerprint Loss: Beyond Cosmetic (hand foot syndrome - chemotherapy induced/capecitabine) - case report

INTRODUCTION

Hand–foot syndrome (HFS), or palmar–plantar erythrodysesthesia,
is a distinct localized skin reaction characterized by erythema,
numbness, tingling, and either dysesthesia or
paresthesia, especially on the palms or soles. Symptoms include
pain and swelling, and can progress to blistering, desquamation,
and ulceration [1].

A single report describes the loss of fingerprints as a manifestation
of HFS in a cancer patient who was detained several hours
by airport security as a result [2].

We present the case of a patient who lost his fingerprints during the course of treatment with a capecitabine-based protocol who also experienced stressful and inconvenient administrative delays because of his condition.......

Table 1. National Cancer Institute hand–foot
syndrome grades
Grade Definition

1 Skin changes or dermatitis (e.g., erythema)
without accompanying pain

2 Skin changes (e.g., peeling, blisters, bleeding,
edema) with accompanying pain not
interfering with activities of daily living

3 Ulcerative dermatitis or skin changes with
accompanying pain interfering with activities
of daily living