Ava Monroe
Cancer treatment can cause changes to the skin and nails, including dryness, redness, rashes, peeling, and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments can make the skin on the hands and around the nails dry, and nails can become brittle, ridged, and split. It is recommended that patients avoid artificial nails, as the glue can be very drying and damaging to already fragile nails, and they can also harbor bacteria. However, patients can wear nail polish, as it can give nails and the patient a lift, but it is recommended to only wear it for a few days and then let the nails recover. If you are having radiotherapy, it is important to be cautious about manicures and ensure good hygiene standards, as cuticles protect your nails from infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Manicures | Yes, but be careful about where you get them from. Cancer treatment weakens your immune system, and nail salons can be breeding grounds for bacteria. |
| Artificial nails | It is recommended to avoid fake nails as they can cause infections. However, if you need to use an artificial nail product during therapy, always use a clear product and create colour or art with nail varnish. |
| Nail varnish | Yes, but only for a few days at a time. Use a strengthening nail varnish with silicium or calcium, free of formaldehyde and rosin and containing anti-UVA and UVB filters. |
| Nail varnish remover | Yes, but use an acetone-free or oily remover. |
| Moisturiser | Yes, use a rich, concentrated moisturiser and rub it into your cuticles and all around your nails. |
| Paraffin hand treatments | No, these will be too hot. |
| Buffing | No, do not buff the natural nail plate. |
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What You'll Learn
- It is recommended to remove gel nails before starting radiotherapy
- Artificial nails can cause and harbour infections
- Nails can become brittle, weak and dry during radiotherapy
- Moisturising nails and cuticles is important during and after radiotherapy
- Manicures are possible during radiotherapy but come with risks
It is recommended to remove gel nails before starting radiotherapy
Additionally, the area surrounding the nails becomes dry and cuticles can become damaged, so it is important to keep them moisturized. Use a rich, concentrated moisturizer and rub it into your cuticles and all around your nails. You can also soak or massage your nails with vegetable or olive oil. It is best to opt for a healing cream if you have any redness or cracked skin around your nails.
It is also important to note that cancer treatment weakens the immune system, and nail salons can be a breeding ground for bacteria. If you do decide to get a manicure, be very careful about where you go and ensure that standard salon hygiene is maintained. Cuticles protect your nails from infection, so do not allow the manicurist to cut them. Instead, gently push them back.
If you want to cover up any nail discolouration or thinning, it is recommended to use nail polish instead of artificial nails. Nail polish can give your nails a real lift, but it is important to only wear it for a few days at a time and then remove it with an acetone-free, oily remover. This will allow your nails to recover before reapplying.
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Artificial nails can cause and harbour infections
Cancer treatments can cause changes in your nails, such as discolouration and brittleness, which may tempt you to use artificial nails. However, it is important to note that artificial nails can cause and harbour infections, which could have serious consequences for those undergoing radiotherapy.
Artificial nails have been linked to an increased risk of bacterial and fungal infections, with research showing higher colony counts of bacteria and other pathogens on artificial nails compared to natural nails. This is due to the fact that artificial nails provide a more suitable environment for microbial growth, and the longer they are worn, the higher the chances of infection. Additionally, the use of artificial nails has been associated with poor hand hygiene and an increased risk of tearing gloves, which can further contribute to the spread of bacteria and infections.
In the context of cancer treatment, it is crucial to avoid infections as they can impact your overall health and interfere with your treatment plan. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid artificial nails and opt for alternative options, such as nail polish, to enhance the appearance of your nails.
If you do choose to wear artificial nails, it is important to take extra precautions to minimise the risk of infection. This includes ensuring proper sterilisation and cleanliness of the nail products and tools used. Additionally, opt for clear artificial nails and create colour or art with nail varnish, as this allows for easier detection of any signs of infection. It is also crucial to avoid cutting or pushing the cuticles, as they play a vital role in protecting your nails from infection.
Overall, while artificial nails may seem like a quick fix for nail concerns, it is important to prioritise your health and minimise the risk of infections, especially during cancer treatment.
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Nails can become brittle, weak and dry during radiotherapy
While having gel nails is not recommended during radiotherapy, it is important to understand the effects of radiotherapy on nails to help you make an informed decision. Radiotherapy can cause several side effects, including changes to the skin and nails. These changes can vary from person to person and may include nail thinning, reduced nail strength, and dryness around the nails. Nails can become brittle, weak, and dry during radiotherapy due to the treatment's impact on the body.
Radiotherapy can lead to nail thinning and reduced nail strength, making the nails more prone to breakage. This can be a result of the treatment itself or the body's overall physical health during this time. Nails can also become weaker as a result of nutritional deficiencies or stress experienced during radiotherapy. It is important to be cautious when filing nails, as over-filing can further weaken and damage the nails. Using an emery board no more than once a week is recommended. Additionally, wearing rubber gloves while performing tasks that involve harsh or drying chemicals, such as cleaning with bleach, can help protect the nails and prevent further dryness and brittleness.
The skin around the nails can become dry, cracked, and itchy due to radiotherapy. This dryness can extend to the nails themselves, contributing to their brittle and weak state. A rich, concentrated moisturizer is recommended to be applied generously to the cuticles and the surrounding areas. Regular use of nail and skin oil, as well as lotion, can help combat dryness and improve nail health.
It is generally advised to avoid artificial nails and gel polish during radiotherapy. The glue used for artificial nails and the removal process can be very drying and damaging to fragile nails. However, if the use of artificial nails is necessary, clear products are recommended, with color or art added using nail varnish. This allows for easy removal in case of suspected infection or toxic buildup. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that any nail salon maintains strict hygiene standards to minimize the risk of bacterial, fungal, or viral infections, which can have serious consequences for patients undergoing radiotherapy.
In summary, nails can become brittle, weak, and dry during radiotherapy due to the treatment's impact on nail health and the body's overall condition. Taking extra care of your nails, moisturizing regularly, and avoiding certain nail treatments can help mitigate these issues.
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Moisturising nails and cuticles is important during and after radiotherapy
It is important to moisturise nails and cuticles during and after radiotherapy. This is because chemotherapy and radiation treatments can make the skin on your hands and around your nails very dry. Nails can also reflect the state of your health, revealing nutritional deficiencies, stress levels, and certain illnesses. For example, cancer can cause "clubbing" or "Terry's nails". Clubbing is when fingertips widen and become round due to a lack of oxygen in the blood and the subsequent expanding of connective tissue. Terry's nails are characterised by dark pink or brown bands around the nail tips.
To prevent nails from drying out, use a rich, concentrated moisturiser and rub it into your cuticles and all around your nails. You can also apply oil to your nails and cuticles. If you are wearing nail polish, make sure to remove it with an acetone-free nail polish remover and let your nails recover for a few days before reapplying. When applying nail polish, use a base coat to protect your nails. It is also important to keep your nails clean and cut short to avoid accidentally tearing them.
If you choose to get manicures, be very careful about where you go. Cancer treatment weakens your immune system, and nail salons can be breeding grounds for bacteria. Cuticles protect your nails from infection, so do not allow the manicurist to cut them. Make sure that everything that touches your skin is sterilised and clean. Avoid paraffin hand treatments as these will be too hot and can cause pain or further complications if you are suffering from neuropathy.
If you do need to use artificial nails during therapy, opt for clear ones and create colour or art with nail varnish. Avoid hard gel nails, as they can cause extra nail plate damage.
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Manicures are possible during radiotherapy but come with risks
Manicures are possible during radiotherapy, but it is important to be cautious and informed about the potential risks.
Cancer treatments, including radiotherapy, can cause changes to the skin and nails. The skin around the nails can become dry and cuticles can be damaged, so it is crucial to keep the hands and nails moisturized. Nails can also become brittle, ridged, and discolored during treatment, and they may lift off or break more easily. As such, it is recommended to keep nails short and avoid cutting the cuticles, as this can cause further damage. Instead, gently push back the cuticles.
When considering a manicure during radiotherapy, it is essential to prioritize hygiene and safety. Cancer treatments can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Therefore, when visiting a nail salon, ensure that standard salon hygiene practices are followed, and choose a salon that maintains high cleanliness standards. It is also crucial to avoid cutting the cuticles, as they protect the nails from infection. Additionally, be cautious of the products used during the manicure. Avoid artificial nails, as the glue and removal process can further damage fragile nails, and the area underneath can be a breeding ground for bacteria. If you wish to add color, opt for nail polish, but be mindful that it can also dry out your nails. Use nail polish for only a few days, then remove it with an acetone-free, oily remover, and allow your nails to recover for a few days before reapplying.
It is important to note that some sources recommend against getting manicures at a nail salon during cancer treatment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, they suggest consulting with your care team for strategies to manage nail issues. However, if you choose to get a manicure, be vigilant about the salon's hygiene practices and always prioritize your health and safety.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to get a manicure at a nail salon during radiotherapy as your immune system will be weakened, and nail salons can be breeding grounds for bacteria. If you do decide to get a manicure, be very careful about where you go. Make sure the salon has good hygiene practices in place and that all the tools are sterilized and clean.
Yes, you can wear nail polish during radiotherapy. In fact, if the appearance of your nails has been affected by the radiotherapy, polish can give them a lift. However, be aware that polish will dry out your nails, so only wear it for a few days at a time and then remove it with an oily remover. Let your nails recover for a few days before reapplying.
It is not recommended to wear gel nails during radiotherapy as they can harbour microbes and cause infections. If you do need to wear artificial nails, use a clear product and create colour or art with regular nail varnish on top. Avoid hard gel and instead opt for a peel-off base coat so that the product can be removed quickly and easily if necessary.
