Caleb Foster
Chemotherapy can cause a variety of changes to your nails, including discolouration, brittleness, and even nail loss. These changes are due to the chemotherapy drugs targeting fast-growing cells in the body, which can include cells that control nail growth. While most nail changes are temporary, some may be longer-term. So, how long does it take for nails to recover after chemotherapy?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for nails to grow back | 6 months for fingernails, 1.5 years for toenails |
| Nail changes | Thinning, brittleness, breakage, discolouration, grooves, ridges, nail loss |
| Treatment | Keep nails trimmed, clean, and free of infection; avoid wounds and infections; wear gloves; apply cold packs |
| Vitamins and supplements | Consult a doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements as they may interfere with chemotherapy |
| Manicures and pedicures | Doctors advise against cuticle trimming; some hospitals have trained medical manicure and pedicure professionals |
| Nail polish | Avoid nail polish with alcohol or acetone; use a colourless, nourishing base coat; remove nail polish within a day |
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What You'll Learn
Nails may become dry, brittle, discoloured, or develop grooves
Chemotherapy can cause nail discolouration, dryness, brittleness, and the development of grooves. These changes can take several weeks to develop and usually go away over time once treatment is complete. However, some changes may be longer-term or even permanent.
Nail discolouration is a common side effect of chemotherapy, with nails turning brown or black, or developing white streaks. This discolouration is known as melanonychia and is caused by increased pigmentation in the nail plate. In some cases, it can appear as a vertical line down the nail, which may be indicative of nail melanoma or skin cancer. It is important to seek medical care if you notice a new dark line on your nail.
Chemotherapy can also cause nails to become dry, brittle, and fragile. They may break easily or split, and can lift from the nail bed, allowing bacteria to enter and cause infections. Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or grooves that can form across the nails, indicating periods when something has interrupted nail growth. These changes can be managed by keeping nails short and clean, using water-soluble nail lacquer or prescription nail polish, and wearing gloves during activities that could cause damage or infection.
The time it takes for nails to recover after chemotherapy varies. Fingernails typically take around 6 months to regrow, while toenails can take about 1.5 years. In rare cases, nails may not grow back at all. It is important to consult a doctor if you have concerns about nail growth or if your nails do not regrow.
During chemotherapy, it is recommended to avoid nail-strengthening products as they can irritate the skin and nails. Instead, focus on keeping your nails and cuticles healthy by using lotions and creams. Additionally, avoid biting, tearing, or picking at your nails or cuticles, as this can worsen the condition.
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They may take 6 months to 1.5 years to grow back
Chemotherapy can have several side effects, and changes to your nails are among the most common. About 38% of people experience nail-related changes, with discolouration being the most common. Other changes include nails becoming dry, brittle, thin, or fragile, and developing grooves or ridges. In some cases, nails may even separate from the nail bed or fall off.
These changes occur because chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells, such as cancer cells, to slow or prevent their growth. However, chemotherapy drugs may also target other fast-growing body cells, such as those that control nail growth. As a result, nails may take a long time to grow back after chemotherapy.
It can take around 6 months for a person to regrow a fingernail, and toenails typically take even longer, up to 1.5 years. During this time, it is essential to take good care of your nails to promote healthy regrowth and reduce the risk of infection. Keep your nails clean, short, and well-moisturised. Avoid biting or peeling your nails, and be gentle with your hands and feet to prevent injuries that could lead to infection.
While most people's nails will eventually grow back, there are rare cases where nails do not regrow at all. Additionally, some people may experience longer-term side effects, such as a nail that grows back thick and painful. If you have concerns about your nail growth or notice any abnormal changes, it is important to contact your doctor for advice and treatment options.
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In rare cases, nails may not grow back at all
Chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells, helping to slow or prevent the growth of cancer cells. However, chemotherapy drugs may also target fast-growing body cells, such as those that control hair or nail growth. This can result in nail-related side effects.
Research from 2020 found that 38% of people experienced nail-related changes after chemotherapy. These changes can include discolouration, the development of grooves or ridges, and, in some cases, nails may fall off.
Most patients' nail changes are short-term, and their nails will begin to grow back within 6 to 12 months of completing treatment. Toenails may take up to 1.5 years to regrow. However, in rare cases, nails may not grow back at all.
If a patient experiences long-term nail changes, such as a nail growing back thick and painful, doctors may remove the nail and the nail matrix to prevent regrowth. This procedure is often preferred by patients who would rather have no nails than nails that cause them pain.
To reduce the risk of nail changes during chemotherapy, it is recommended to keep nails short and clean, avoid nail biting, and wear gloves during housework and gardening to prevent infection.
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You can treat nails with care to help them grow back stronger
Chemotherapy can cause changes in the colour and texture of your nails. These changes can take several weeks to develop and usually go away once treatment is over. However, it can take around six months to regrow a fingernail and about a year and a half to regrow a toenail. In rare cases, nails may not grow back at all.
You can treat your nails with care to help them grow back stronger. Here are some tips:
- Keep your nails natural. Doctors advise against wearing nail polish all the time. However, you can wear nail polish on special occasions, preferably a water-based or dark polish to camouflage discolouration. Start with a colourless, nourishing base coat and remove the polish the same or next day with a gentle, non-acetone remover.
- Avoid nail biting and cuticle trimming, as wounds take longer to heal during chemo and can lead to infections.
- Keep your nails moisturised and clipped short.
- Wear gloves when doing chores or gardening to protect your nails and reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid artificial nails, gels, and acrylics, as they may increase the risk of infection.
- Consult a professional manicurist for advice on daily home care to keep your nails healthy and strong.
- Take care of your skin by moisturising regularly, avoiding long, hot showers, and using mild, unperfumed, soap-free cleansers.
It is important to note that some supplements and vitamins for nail strength may interfere with chemotherapy treatments. Always consult your doctor or nurse before taking any supplements or noticing any changes in your nails.
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Certain vitamins and supplements may help strengthen nails
Chemotherapy can cause nail changes, including discolouration, brittleness, and even nail loss. These side effects are usually temporary, and nails typically begin to grow back after completing treatment, although this can take around six months for fingernails and up to one-and-a-half years for toenails. In rare cases, nails may not grow back at all.
To promote nail health during and after chemotherapy, it's important to take extra care of your nails. Doctors advise against wearing nail polish all the time and getting manicures or pedicures, as these can increase the risk of wounds and infections. Instead, opt for natural nails and, if desired, use nail polish without acetone on special occasions, removing it the same or next day with a gentle remover.
Certain vitamins and supplements may also help strengthen nails affected by chemotherapy. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is the most commonly recommended supplement for nail health. It is found in various foods, including organ meats, egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and cauliflower. While biotin deficiency is rare, consuming it through food or supplements may help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth. Other B vitamins, such as vitamin B12, are also important for nail health, as they play a role in iron absorption and red blood cell development, both crucial for strong nails. Additionally, consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, as well as adequate protein and omega-3 fatty acids, can contribute to overall nail health.
While nail supplements are readily available, scientific evidence of their effectiveness is often lacking. It is important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before taking any supplements, especially during chemotherapy, as some substances may interfere with the treatment's effects. Additionally, excessive biotin intake from supplements can interfere with laboratory tests of cardiac and thyroid function. Therefore, it is generally recommended to obtain nutrients through a well-balanced diet whenever possible.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take around 6 months for fingernails to regrow, and 1.5 years for toenails. However, in some rare cases, nails may never grow back.
Keeping nails clean, trimmed, and free of infection will help them grow back stronger and quicker. Applying a colourless, nourishing base coat can also help protect your nails if you want to wear nail polish.
Chemotherapy can cause nails to become dry, brittle, and fragile. They may also develop grooves or ridges, discolour, or fall off.
