Noah Sinclair
Chemotherapy can cause changes to the fingernails and toenails, including discolouration, dryness, brittleness, and even nail loss. These changes can be distressing and uncomfortable, and patients often want to know how long it will take for their nails to recover and return to normal. The good news is that most nail changes are temporary, and nails usually begin to grow back within a few weeks to months after completing chemotherapy. However, it can take up to a year or longer for some individuals, and in rare cases, nails may not grow back at all. During chemotherapy, it is important to take steps to prevent nail damage and reduce the risk of infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to recover | A few months to a year or longer |
| Nail changes | Dry, brittle, fragile, discoloured, grooved, or ridged nails; nails may fall off |
| Nail management | Keep nails short and straight; moisturise nails and cuticles; avoid corrosive cleaning products; wear gloves |
| Treatment | Daily vinegar nail soaks; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; water-soluble nail lacquer; prescription nail polish; biotin supplement |
| Prevention | Cold packs or frozen gloves for 30 minutes before, during, and after chemotherapy |
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What You'll Learn
Nail discolouration
Chemotherapy can cause nail discolouration, along with other changes to the appearance, texture, and health of your nails. Nail discolouration can manifest as yellowing, over-pigmentation, or other colour changes. These colour changes are the most common form of chemotherapy-related nail changes.
The type of chemotherapy and the doses received are factors in determining the specific nail changes that occur. Chemotherapy drugs that tend to cause nail symptoms include taxanes such as paclitaxel and Taxotere (docetaxel). If you are undergoing taxane-based therapy, your oncologist may advise applying a hydrating nail solution once a day or as needed to reduce the risk of nail loss.
To manage nail discolouration and other nail changes, it is important to consult with your doctor or healthcare team. They can provide advice and suggest treatments such as daily vinegar nail soaks or over-the-counter medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve symptoms. Preventing and avoiding injuries to your nails is crucial for keeping them healthy during chemotherapy. Keeping your nails short and moisturised can help prevent ingrown nails and infections.
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Nail weakness
Chemotherapy can cause nail weakness, among other nail changes. These changes can affect the appearance, texture, colour, and health of your nails. Nail weakness can manifest as thinning or reduced strength, leading to breakage. Nails may also become dry, brittle, and fragile, and may develop ridges (Beau's lines) or grooves. In some cases, nails may even fall off.
Nail changes from chemotherapy usually start sooner than changes caused by immunotherapy and targeted drug therapy. Most nail changes are temporary and resolve within a few months of stopping treatment. However, some changes can last long after treatment ends or may even be permanent.
To manage nail weakness during chemotherapy, it is recommended to keep nails trimmed short and straight to prevent ingrown nails and possible infections. Applying a nourishing hand cream or a special nail oil or cream can help prevent dryness. It is also important to avoid corrosive cleaning products and wear gloves when doing dishes or gardening to protect nails from breakage and infection.
Additionally, consider using cold packs or applying a hydrating nail solution if your chemotherapy includes a taxane, as this may prevent nail lifting. Keeping your nails moisturised and avoiding nail polish can also help manage nail weakness during chemotherapy.
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Nail infections
Chemotherapy can cause nail changes, affecting the appearance, texture, colour, and health of your nails. These changes can include weaker nails, painful nail beds, dry or cracked skin around the nails, and discolouration. Chemotherapy can also cause nails to become dry, brittle, and fragile, and they may even fall off. These side effects depend on the type of chemotherapy and the doses.
To prevent nail infections during chemotherapy, it is important to keep your nails clean, short, and well-moisturized. You should also avoid corrosive cleaning products and wear gloves when doing the dishes or gardening to reduce the risk of cuts and scratches. If you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, bleeding, drainage, swelling, pain, or redness, you should consult your doctor.
Most nail changes due to chemotherapy are temporary and should improve within a few months of stopping treatment. However, in some cases, nails may never return to their pre-chemo state, and it can take about 6 to 12 months for fingernails to grow back out to normal, and even longer for toenails. During this time, you may continue to experience symptoms such as brittle nails and pain during your recovery. If you experience any difficulties or pain, you should consult your doctor, who can refer you to specialists for special treatments if necessary.
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Nail growth
Chemotherapy can cause changes to your fingernails and toenails, affecting their appearance, texture, colour, and health. These changes can include slower growth than normal, or even no growth at all.
Nail changes during chemotherapy are caused by the drugs targeting fast-growing cells, which can include cells that control nail growth. These changes usually start within 3-6 weeks of starting chemotherapy, and most are temporary, improving or disappearing a few weeks or months after treatment ends. However, some changes can last long after treatment ends or even be permanent.
To help manage nail changes during chemotherapy, doctors advise keeping your nails short and straight, avoiding nail biting, and wearing gloves when doing tasks that could cause injury to your nails, such as gardening or DIY. You should also avoid corrosive cleaning products, as they can be harmful to your already brittle nails. Applying a nourishing hand cream or a special nail oil or cream can help prevent dryness during chemo.
After chemotherapy ends, your nails should begin to grow back, with fingernails taking around 6 months to regrow and toenails taking about 1.5 years. In rare cases, nails may not grow back at all. If you are concerned about the way your nails are growing, or if they are not growing back, you should contact your doctor.
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Nail care
Chemotherapy can cause several changes to your nails, including discolouration, dryness, brittleness, and fragility. In some cases, nails may even fall off. These changes can be distressing, but there are ways to manage them and keep your nails as healthy as possible during and after chemo.
Before Chemotherapy
If your chemo includes a taxane, such as paclitaxel or docetaxel, consider applying cold packs to your nails for 15 minutes before, during, and after the infusion. This may help to prevent nail lifting.
During Chemotherapy
To keep your nails as healthy as possible during chemo:
- Keep your nails short and straight, with smooth edges. This will help prevent ingrown nails and possible infections.
- Moisturise your nails and cuticles regularly with a special nail oil or cream, or a nourishing hand cream. Don't forget your toenails!
- Avoid nail polish as much as possible. If you do want to paint your nails for a special occasion, use a colourless, nourishing base coat and a nail polish without alcohol or acetone.
- Wear gloves when doing the dishes or gardening to protect your nails from cleaning products and potential injuries.
- Avoid nail biting and chewing the skin around your nails.
After Chemotherapy
It typically takes about six to twelve months for fingernails to grow back to normal after chemo, while toenails can take up to a year or longer. In some cases, nails may never return to their pre-chemo state. If you experience any difficulties or pain during your recovery, talk to your doctor, who can refer you to specialists for special treatments if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take a few months to a year or longer for nails to recover after chemo. Fingernails can take around 6 months to regrow, while toenails can take about 1.5 years.
Common side effects of chemo on nails include discolouration, dryness, brittleness, and the development of grooves or ridges. In some cases, nails may also fall off.
To care for your nails during chemo, keep your nails short and straight. Avoid nail biting and activities that may cause nail injuries, such as gardening or DIY jobs. Use gloves when doing dishes or cleaning with corrosive products. Moisturise your nails regularly with special nail oil or cream, and consider using a nail strengthener or water-soluble nail lacquer.
If you experience nail changes after chemo, such as pain, swelling, or infection, consult your doctor or healthcare team. They may suggest treatments such as daily vinegar nail soaks or over-the-counter medicines like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
