Ava Monroe
Chemotherapy can cause a range of changes to your nails, including dryness, discolouration, and brittleness. In some cases, nails may even fall off. These changes are temporary and nails typically grow out normally again within six months of completing treatment. To prevent nail damage, doctors advise keeping nails short and moisturised, and avoiding nail polish. However, some sources suggest that nail varnish can be worn for a few days at a time, as long as it is removed and followed by a few days of recovery. So, can you get gel nails after chemo? It is best to consult a doctor or nurse for advice on this, as it will depend on the state of your nails post-treatment.
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What You'll Learn
Nail care during chemo
Chemotherapy can cause several changes to your nails, including discolouration, dryness, brittleness, and fragility. In some cases, nails may even fall off. These side effects depend on the type of chemotherapy and the doses. Here are some tips for nail care during chemotherapy:
Keep Nails Short and Smooth
It is advisable to keep your fingernails and toenails short to reduce the risk of breaking. Ensure that the edges are straight and smooth, and avoid cutting them too short. If your nails are brittle or weak, consider filing them with a soft nail file instead of using scissors or a nail clipper.
Moisturise Regularly
Chemotherapy can cause your nails and the surrounding skin to become dry. It is important to moisturise your nails and cuticles regularly to prevent dryness. Use a special nail oil or cream, or opt for a nourishing hand cream. Massage the moisturiser into your cuticles and the skin around your nails, and don't forget your toenails!
Avoid Artificial Nails and Limit Nail Polish
It is recommended to avoid artificial nail adhesives as they may contain chemicals that can cause allergic reactions. Additionally, fake nails can trap bacteria and increase the risk of infection. While you can still wear nail polish, it is advisable to limit its use and allow your nails to recover between applications. Use nail polish without alcohol or acetone, and always start with a colourless, nourishing base coat.
Be Cautious with Manicures and Pedicures
You can continue to get occasional manicures or pedicures, but be cautious about the hygiene standards of the nail technician or salon. Bring your own sanitised instruments if possible. Avoid cuticle cutting, as cuticles protect your nails from infection. Additionally, steer clear of callus shavers used for pedicures, and ensure that all tools are sterilised and clean.
Prevent Wounds and Infections
Chemotherapy weakens your immune system, making it crucial to prevent wounds and infections. Avoid nail-biting and activities that may cause nail breakage or injury. Wear gloves when doing tasks that could expose your nails to corrosive cleaning products or other harmful substances.
Consider Cold Therapy and Supplements
Some studies suggest that cold therapy, including the use of frozen gloves and socks, can help prevent skin and nail side effects caused by certain types of chemotherapy. Additionally, consult your doctor about taking vitamins and supplements that may promote stronger nails. However, always ensure that any supplements you take do not interfere with your chemotherapy or other medications.
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Nail care after chemo
Chemotherapy can cause changes to your fingernails and toenails. These changes are usually temporary and your nails should return to normal within a few weeks or months after treatment. However, it is still important to take good care of your nails before, during, and after chemotherapy treatment.
Before Chemotherapy
If you want to get your nails done before starting chemotherapy, you can go for a professional manicure or pedicure. However, be cautious as your immune system will be weakened during chemotherapy, and nail salons can be a breeding ground for bacteria. If you decide to get a manicure or pedicure, ensure that the nail technician maintains high hygiene standards, or bring your own sanitised instruments.
During Chemotherapy
Keep your nails short to reduce the risk of breaking. Avoid cutting your cuticles, and instead, gently push them back. Do not bite your nails, as this will aggravate any problems. It is also recommended to wear gloves when doing housework or gardening and to avoid any prolonged contact with detergent and water to reduce the risk of infection.
Your nails will benefit from additional moisturising to prevent dryness. You can use a special nail oil or cream, or a nourishing hand cream. Massage the cream into your cuticles, the skin around your nails, and the nails themselves.
Doctors advise against wearing nail polish all the time during chemotherapy. However, you can wear nail polish on special occasions. If you do decide to wear nail polish, use a nail polish without alcohol or acetone. Start by applying a colourless, nourishing base coat so that the colour does not penetrate your brittle nails. You should also avoid fake nails, as the adhesives can cause allergic reactions and trap bacteria, leading to infections.
After Chemotherapy
It is recommended to continue with a nail care routine for at least three months after treatment. You can continue to wear nail polish for at least six months after your last chemotherapy session to protect your nails. Use a strengthening opaque nail varnish (silicium or calcium) and avoid adding layers to your varnish when touching up the colour, as this can increase the chances of your nails falling off.
Your nails will usually grow out normally again after about six months. To help with this process, you can use frozen gloves before, during, and after each chemotherapy session. These are essentially ice packs that can be worn as gloves and are designed to keep your nails cold, which can help to prevent nail changes.
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Manicures and pedicures
Chemotherapy can cause changes to your nails, including dryness, discolouration, and brittleness. Nails can also become fragile and break more easily. While these changes are usually temporary, they can be annoying and painful. As cancer treatment weakens your immune system, it is important to take extra care of your nails before, during, and after chemotherapy to reduce the risk of infection.
If you want to continue getting manicures and pedicures during chemotherapy, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to choose a reputable nail salon with high hygiene standards. You can also bring your own sanitised instruments if you prefer. Avoid artificial nails and nail adhesives, as these can cause allergic reactions and trap bacteria. Instead, opt for natural nails and use nail polish without acetone or alcohol, which can dry out your nails. Start with a colourless, nourishing base coat to protect your nails from discolouration. You can then apply a nail polish colour of your choice. Remember to remove the polish after a few days and let your nails recover before reapplying. Always use an acetone-free nail polish remover and apply oil or a rich moisturiser to your nails and cuticles afterwards.
If you are doing your manicure and pedicure at home, make sure to keep your nails short and straight, especially if they are brittle or weak. Avoid cutting your cuticles, as they protect your nails from infection. Instead, gently push them back. Use a soft nail file to shape your nails, rather than scissors or a nail clipper, and avoid biting your nails.
To keep your nails and skin healthy, it is important to moisturise regularly. Use a rich, nourishing hand cream or nail oil, and massage it into your cuticles, the skin around your nails, and the nails themselves. You can also apply oil or moisturiser before bed and wear gloves or socks to lock in the moisture. In addition to manicures, you can try paraffin treatments, which can increase moisture levels and make your hands and nails look and feel healthier.
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Nail varnish
Chemotherapy can cause changes to your nails, including dryness, discolouration, and brittleness. Nails can also become fragile and break more easily. While these changes are usually temporary, it's important to take extra care of your nails during and after chemotherapy treatment.
So, can you wear nail varnish after chemo? The answer is yes, but with some precautions. Firstly, it's important to note that nail varnish will dry out your nails, so it's best to wear it for only a few days at a time and then remove it using an acetone-free nail polish remover. Allow your nails to recover for a few days before reapplying. It's also recommended to use a colourless, nourishing base coat to protect your nails from the colour, which can penetrate and dry out your nails further. If you're undergoing chemotherapy, opt for a strengthening nail varnish with silicium or calcium, which will help fortify your nails. Additionally, avoid fake nails and adhesives as they can trap bacteria and cause infections.
To maintain healthy nails, it's crucial to keep them short and straight, avoiding any ingrown nails that could lead to infections. Moisturising your nails and the surrounding skin is essential, so use a special nail oil or cream, or a rich, nourishing hand cream. Massage it into your cuticles and nails to keep them hydrated. You can also wear gloves when doing housework or gardening to protect your nails from cleaning products and potential damage.
While you can continue to get manicures, be cautious about where you go, as nail salons can be a breeding ground for bacteria. If you decide to get a manicure, ensure the technician maintains high hygiene standards, or bring your own sanitised instruments. It's also important to avoid cutting your cuticles, as they protect your nails from infection. Instead, gently push them back.
Remember, everyone's experience with chemotherapy is unique, and not everyone will experience nail changes. Always consult your doctor or nurse for personalised advice and to address any concerns you may have about your nail health.
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Nail infections
Chemotherapy can cause nail damage, such as hangnails, torn cuticles, or lost nails, which can allow bacteria to enter and cause infections. This can be serious if the immune system is compromised by chemotherapy. Nail infections can cause pain or swelling.
To prevent nail infections, it is important to keep your nails clean and trimmed. You should also avoid cutting or trimming your cuticles, as this can increase the risk of infection. Instead, you should massage a rich, concentrated moisturiser into your cuticles and the skin around your nails. You can also use a special nail oil or cream to prevent dryness. It is generally recommended to avoid manicures and pedicures, as these can increase the risk of infection, especially if tools are not properly sanitised. If you do get a manicure, ensure that the nail technician's hygiene standards are high, or bring your own sanitised instruments.
If you notice any signs of inflammation or infection, it is important to inform your medical care team. They may suggest daily vinegar nail soaks, made with equal parts white vinegar and water, to decrease bacteria and yeast and reduce the chance of surface infections. They may also prescribe antibiotics, antifungals, steroid ointment, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat the infection.
It is important to continue with a nail care routine for at least 3 months after completing chemotherapy treatment. Nails typically grow out normally again within 6 months to 1 year, depending on whether they are finger or toenails.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to get gel nails after chemo as the UV light used to cure the gel can irritate the skin. However, you can use nail varnish and it is recommended to continue doing so for at least 6 months after your last chemo session to protect your nails.
Nails will usually grow out normally again after about 6 months. However, it is recommended to continue with a nail care routine for at least 3 months post-treatment.
It is important to keep your nails short to prevent them from breaking. If your nails are brittle, it is best to file them with a soft nail file instead of using scissors or a nail clipper. You should also moisturize your nails and cuticles with a rich, concentrated moisturizer or oil.
