Palmar plantar erythrodysesthesia classification

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mandana Chitsazan, M.D. [2]

Overview

A number of different classifications have been used for grading the severity of palmar plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE). The classifications suggested by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the World Health Organization (WHO) are the two most commonly used.

Palmar plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) may be classified into 3 grades according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).^[1]

Classification of PPE severity according to NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0
GRADES
1	Minimal skin changes (e.g, erythema, edema, or hyperkeratosis) without pain
2	Skin changes (e.g, peeling, blisters, bleeding, fissures, edema, or hyperkeratosis) with pain; limiting instrumental ADL
3	Severe skin changes (e.g, peeling, blisters, bleeding, fissures, edema, or hyperkeratosis) with pain; limiting self care ADL

Palmar plantar erythrodysesthesis (PPE) may be classified into 4 grades based on the World Health Organization (WHO). ^[2]

Classification of PPE severity according to WHO criteria
GRADES
1	Dysesthesia/paresthesia, tingling in the hands and feet
2	Discomfort in holding objects and upon walking, painless swelling or erythema
3	Painful erythema and swelling of palms and soles, periungual erythema and swelling
4	Desquamation, ulceration, blistering, severe pain