Isla Bennett
Chemotherapy can cause changes to your fingernails and toenails, affecting their growth, texture, and appearance. These changes are temporary and usually resolve within several months after treatment concludes. This article will discuss the effects of chemo on nail growth and provide suggestions for managing these changes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Growth | Slow or no growth at all |
| Infections | Paronychia, a painful nail infection, is more common if nails are cracked or open |
| Appearance | Changes in colour, texture, and shape |
| Strength | Nails may become weaker and brittle |
| Nail bed | Nail beds may become painful and sensitive |
| Skin | Skin around nails may become dry or cracked |
| Nail lifting | Nails may lift from the nail bed |
| Nail loss | Nails may fall off |
| Nail fungus | Nails may develop nail fungus |
| Melanoma | Increased pigmentation may lead to concerns of nail melanoma |
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What You'll Learn
Nail growth cycles are disrupted by chemo
Chemotherapy can have a significant impact on nail growth cycles, leading to various changes in the appearance and health of fingernails and toenails. These changes can affect the texture, colour, and overall health of the nails. While nail changes are common during cancer treatment, it's important to monitor these alterations and seek medical advice if necessary.
One of the most noticeable effects of chemo on nail growth cycles is the development of Beau's lines, which are horizontal ridges that form across the nails. These lines are typically colourless but can appear lighter or darker than the rest of the nail. Beau's lines are indicative of disrupted nail growth, which is a common occurrence during chemotherapy. In addition to these ridges, nails may also exhibit colour changes, such as yellowing or over-pigmentation, which can be a cause for concern for patients who fear nail melanoma or skin cancer.
Chemotherapy can also cause nails to become weak, brittle, and more prone to splitting or breakage. This is due to the thinning of the nails and the reduction in nail strength. In some cases, nails may even separate from the tissue that holds them in place, a condition known as onycholysis. Additionally, the nails may change shape, curving inward to form a spoon-like appearance, a condition called koilonychia. These structural changes to the nails can further increase the risk of nail infections.
The impact of chemo on nail growth cycles can also lead to nail infections, particularly paronychia, which affects the nail folds. This infection can be painful and is often a result of lowered white blood cell counts due to chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. To manage this, it is recommended to maintain proper nail care and seek medical advice if any signs of infection occur. Additionally, certain chemotherapy drugs, such as taxanes, are more likely to result in nail loss and other changes.
It is important to note that nail changes during chemotherapy are usually temporary, and nails typically return to normal within a few months of stopping treatment. However, in some cases, the changes can be long-term or even permanent. Therefore, patients should closely monitor their nails during and after chemotherapy treatment and maintain open communication with their healthcare providers about any nail-related symptoms or concerns.
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Nails become weak, brittle and thin
Chemotherapy can have a detrimental effect on the health of your nails, causing them to become weak, brittle, and thin. This is due to the disruption of the growth cycles of new cells in your body, particularly the keratin-rich cells that make up your nails. Beau's lines, or horizontal ridges, can form on your nails as a result of this disruption. These ridges can also be caused by an infection, which is more likely to occur during chemotherapy due to the increased vulnerability of your nails.
To counteract the negative effects of chemotherapy on your nails, there are several measures you can take. Firstly, keeping your nails trimmed short can help prevent them from becoming brittle and reduce the risk of splitting. Additionally, applying a hydrating nail solution or moisturiser can improve nail health and reduce the likelihood of nail loss. For those undergoing taxane-based chemotherapy, it is recommended to apply cold packs to the nails before, during, and after the infusion to prevent nail lifting.
It is important to be vigilant about nail care during chemotherapy. This includes maintaining open communication with your doctor or oncologist about any changes or side effects you observe. They can provide strategies to manage discomfort and prevent complications such as nail loss and secondary infections. Additionally, be cautious about manicures and pedicures, as manipulating the cuticles can increase the risk of infection.
In some cases, the negative effects of chemotherapy on nail health may be longer-term or even permanent. However, for most people, nails will start to regrow and return to normal within six to twelve months after completing treatment. During this regrowth period, it is crucial to continue caring for your nails and monitoring them for any unusual changes.
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Nails may bend or break more easily
Chemotherapy can cause nail thinning or reduced nail strength, leading to breakage. Nails may become weak, brittle, or split from the tissue that holds them in place (onycholysis). This can be caused by chemotherapy disrupting the growth cycles of new cells in the body, particularly the keratin-rich cells that make up the skin and nails.
To prevent nails from splitting, keep them cut short. Applying cuticle cream to the cuticle area can help prevent dryness and splitting. If nails are lifting from the nail bed, this can be treated by soaking the fingers or toes in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water for 15 minutes every night.
Some chemotherapy medications are more likely to result in nail loss than others. These include taxanes such as paclitaxel and Taxotere (docetaxel). If you are undergoing treatment with a taxane, your doctor may advise applying a hydrating nail solution once a day or as needed to prevent nail loss.
Nails may take 6 to 12 months to grow back after chemotherapy, with toenails taking longer than fingernails. In some cases, nails may never return to how they were before chemotherapy, and some patients may experience thicker and more painful nail growth.
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Nails may fall off after several rounds of treatment
Chemotherapy can have various effects on the texture, appearance, and health of your nails. While nail changes are usually temporary, they can sometimes last long after treatment ends or even be permanent.
Some chemotherapy medications, such as taxanes (e.g., Taxotere, paclitaxel, and docetaxel), are more likely to result in nail loss than others. Chemotherapy can disrupt the growth cycles of new cells in your body, particularly the keratin-rich cells that make up your nails. As a result, nails can grow weak and brittle during chemotherapy and may even split from the tissue that holds them in place (onycholysis). Beau's lines, or horizontal ridges that run across your nails, may also form due to disrupted nail growth. Nails may also change shape, curving inward to form a spoon-like appearance known as koilonychia.
If you are undergoing treatment with taxanes, it is recommended to apply cold packs to your nails before, during, and after the infusion. This may help prevent nail lifting. Additionally, keeping your nails well-moisturized with fragrance-free creams or ointments can help manage nail changes. It is also suggested to keep your nails cut short and smooth to avoid splitting.
In some cases, nails may fall off after several rounds of chemotherapy treatment. If this occurs, it is important to seek advice from your healthcare provider. They may recommend a small surgical procedure to alleviate nail fold inflammation and prevent further discomfort. This procedure involves numbing the affected finger or toe, splitting and pulling away the lateral edges of the nail, and using a chemical to remove the matrix, or the tissue under the nail, to prevent regrowth in those areas.
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Nails may become infected
Chemotherapy can cause nail infections, which can be painful. This is because chemotherapy lowers your white blood cell count, making it harder for your body to fight infections. This is known as chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.
Nail infections can affect the nail folds and are known as paronychia. They can also affect the nail bed, causing nails to lift and separate from the tissue that holds them in place (onycholysis). This separation can allow bacteria to enter the nail, causing a secondary infection. If one of your nails becomes loose, it will not reattach to your nail bed. You will need to protect your nail bed while you wait for a new nail to grow in its place.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, bleeding, drainage, swelling, pain, or redness, it is important to speak with your doctor. They may recommend an antibiotic or antifungal medication that is safe to use during chemotherapy.
To help prevent nail infections during chemotherapy, it is important to keep your nails clean and short. You can also strengthen your nails by using a water-soluble nail lacquer or a prescription nail polish. Wearing gloves during house and garden work can also help to protect your nails and reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, if you are taking a taxane drug, such as docetaxel, applying a cold pack to your nails for 15 minutes before, during, and after the infusion may help to prevent nail lifting.
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Frequently asked questions
Chemotherapy can cause nail growth to slow down or stop completely. Nails can also become weak, brittle, and more prone to splitting. Beau's lines, or horizontal ridges, can form on the nails.
Some patients may experience thicker and more painful nail growth after chemo. In some cases, nails never return to how they were before chemo.
Keep your nails short and smooth. Moisturize your hands and feet with fragrance-free creams or ointments. Apply a hydrating nail solution or nail lacquer to prevent nail loss.
Notify your healthcare provider as soon as you begin to experience any symptoms of nail changes. They can provide tips and medications to help manage the symptoms.
