Cold Gloves and Socks

General

Clinical studies (Journal of Clinical Oncology – July 1, 2005 from Southwest Technologies) have shown that use of cold gloves and socks reduces nail loss and skin damage in patients receiving docetaxel and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin.

Indications

• Docetaxel treatment for prostate and breast cancer
• Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin treatment for ovarian cancer

Contraindications

• Should not be used in patients with curative treatment (adjuvant/neoadjuvant treatment of breast cancer)
• Raynaud's disease
• Distal metastases
• Distal arterial insufficiency
• Cold intolerance

Goal

• To avoid loosening/loss of nails or skin damage
• Preventing neuropathy

Equipment

The gloves and socks are made of a glycerine gel which maintains its elasticity also when frozen. The outer fabric is water-proof and elastic. The Velcro holds the products securely in place.

• Elasto-Gel cold gloves and/or socks
• Disposable gloves/socks for use inside

Preparation

• The products should be stored in the plastic bag in a freezer which maintains a temperature of -25 to -35°C for at least 12 hours before use. The elasticity is maintained in temperatures down to -30 °C.
• Gloves/socks should be used at each treatment to maintain the effect.
  

Implementation

• Wear disposable gloves/socks inside for hygienic reasons.
• Put on gloves/socks 15 minutes before treatment and remove at the earliest 15 minutes after the end of treatment.
• If the treatment lasts 1-1 ½ hours, the gloves/socks should be changed. This should take place after 45 minutes (or more often) if the patient feels they become too warm.
• Change the gloves/socks as quickly as possible to avoid reflexes caused by dilatation of blood vessels.
  

Follow-up

• Allow the gloves/socks to dry after use before they are put in the freezer again.
• As needed, clean the surfaces in contact with skin with soapy water and dry thereafter. Never immerse the gloves/socks in water.