Isla Bennett
Chemotherapy can cause a variety of changes to a person's nails, including discolouration, weakness, nail loss, and Beau's lines. The type of nail change depends on the type of chemotherapy drug used. These changes can take several weeks to develop and generally go away once treatment is over. While some sources suggest that nails will recover in a few months, others state that it can take up to a year or longer for nails to regrow. During chemotherapy, it is important to take extra care of nails to prevent severe side effects and treat them right away. Keeping nails short, clean, and moisturized can aid in their recovery and reduce the risk of infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for nails to recover after chemo | 6-12 months |
| Nail changes | Color changes, nail weakness, nail loss, Beau's lines, nail ridging, nail lifting, nail bed lifting, nail thickening, nail discoloration, nail grooving, nail sensitivity, nail breakage, nail splitting, nail peeling, nail dryness, nail fungus, nail infections, nail pain |
| Nail care during chemo | Keep nails short and clean, use water-soluble nail lacquer or prescription nail polish, wear gloves during house and garden work, avoid biting, tearing, or picking at nails or cuticles, wear loose-fitting shoes, avoid professional manicures and artificial nails, avoid pressure on the nail bed, take biotin supplements, moisturize nails, use nail oil or cream, avoid corrosive cleaning products, avoid nail biting, trim nails straight and smooth, moisturize cuticles, avoid nail polish with alcohol or acetone, use a color-less base coat, use hydrating nail solution, avoid sun exposure, use anti-UV nail varnish or dark-colored nail polish |
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What You'll Learn
Nails may become discoloured, pigmented, or develop Beau's lines
Chemotherapy can cause changes in the colour or texture of your nails. These nail changes can be short-term, and nails usually grow back healthy after treatment is completed. However, some changes from cytotoxic chemotherapy may be longer-term. Nails may become thin, dry, brittle, and fragile, and may discolour or develop grooves or ridges. Beau's lines are grooves that form horizontally across a person's nail and are common in people who have received chemotherapy. They indicate that something has interrupted a person's nail growth.
Melanonychia, or nail discolouration, is another common side effect of chemotherapy, appearing brown or black. In some cases, it can appear as a vertical line down the nail. A 2019 study found that 54% of people receiving chemotherapy experienced colour changes in their nails. Chemotherapy may also cause increased pigmentation in the nail plate that does not go away. This is not symptomatic, but patients may worry that they have nail melanoma or skin cancer under their nails. If you develop a new dark line on a single nail, you should seek medical care.
To manage nail changes during chemotherapy, it is recommended to keep nails short and straight, preventing ingrown nails and possible infections. Nails will benefit from additional moisturising to prevent dryness. You can use a special nail oil or cream, or a nourishing hand cream. It is also advised to wear gloves when doing chores or gardening to protect nails and prevent wounds, which take longer to heal during chemotherapy.
After chemotherapy, nails should begin to grow back. Fingernails can take around six months to regrow, while toenails may take about a year or longer. In rare cases, nails may not grow back. If you experience pain or difficulties during recovery, you should consult your doctor, who can refer you to specialists for further treatment.
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Nails may become weak, brittle, thin, and prone to breakage
Chemotherapy can cause nails to become weak, brittle, thin, and prone to breakage. This is due to the chemicals in the treatment, which can also cause nail discolouration and lifting. While these side effects are often difficult to prevent, there are ways to manage them.
Firstly, it is important to keep nails short and straight, with smooth edges. Nails should not be cut too short, as this can lead to ingrown nails. Keeping nails trimmed helps to prevent infection and allows nails to grow back stronger and quicker.
Secondly, nails should be kept clean. This is especially important during chemotherapy, as wounds take longer to heal and can result in infections. Gloves should be worn when doing chores such as washing dishes or gardening to protect nails from corrosive cleaning products and bacteria.
Thirdly, nails should be moisturised. A special nail oil or cream can be used, or a nourishing hand cream can be massaged into the cuticles, the skin around the nails, and the nails themselves. Toenails should not be forgotten. Cuticle cream can be used to prevent dryness, splitting, and hangnails.
Finally, it is important to be gentle with nails. Nail biting, tearing, or picking should be avoided, as well as wearing tight-fitting shoes. Nails are more vulnerable to developing nail fungus, so any symptoms of secondary nail infection or fungal nail infection should be treated. Antibiotics or antifungal medication can be prescribed by a doctor.
It is normal for nails to take several months to a year or longer to recover after chemotherapy. During this time, nails may continue to be weak, thin, and brittle, and may not grow as quickly or as long as they used to.
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Nails may lift from the nail bed or come off completely
Chemotherapy can cause a variety of changes in a person’s nails. Chemotherapy drugs can sometimes cause mild, temporary changes in nails and nail beds, but some changes may be longer-term. Nails may become weak, brittle, thin, dry, or fragile, and may develop grooves or ridges. They may also become discoloured or pigmented, taking on a dirty yellow or brownish hue, or even looking bruised and turning black, blue, or green.
In some cases, nails may lift from the nail bed or come off completely. This can be caused by the chemotherapy drug taxotere or some targeted therapy drugs like fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors. If the nail bed lifts, nails should be kept short to prevent them from catching and tearing, which could lead to infection. It is also important to protect the nail bed while waiting for a new nail to grow in its place. A loose nail can allow bacteria to enter the nail, causing infection.
If you are experiencing side effects of chemotherapy that affect your nails, it is important to let your doctor know. They can help you treat and prevent complications, such as nail loss and secondary infections. Doctors may recommend using a hydrating nail solution to prevent some nail-related chemotherapy side effects.
The time it takes for nails to recover after chemotherapy varies. For some people, it takes a few months for their nails to recover, while for others it may take a year or longer. It takes approximately 6 months to regrow a fingernail and a year and a half to regrow a toenail.
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Nails may take 6-12 months to recover after chemo
Chemotherapy can cause a variety of changes to a person's nails. These changes can include nail weakness, nail loss, discolouration, and Beau's lines. The type of nail change a person experiences can depend on the type of chemotherapy drug used to treat them. These changes can take several weeks to develop and will generally go away in time once treatment is over.
It is not unusual for nails to bend or break more easily during chemotherapy treatment. Nails may become thinner and more brittle and don't grow as long or as quickly as they used to. Nails may also look bruised, turning a few colours. People with darker complexions may notice these colour changes more than those with lighter complexions.
There are several ways to care for nails during chemotherapy to aid the recovery process. It is important to keep nails clean and trimmed, which will help them grow back stronger and more quickly and reduce the risk of infection. Nails should be kept short and straight, and it is recommended to avoid ingrown nails or infections. Nails will benefit from additional moisturising to prevent dryness, and you can use a special nail oil or cream for this. It is also important to wear gloves when doing chores such as washing dishes or gardening to prevent wounds and infections.
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Preventing and treating nail infections during chemo
Chemotherapy can cause a variety of changes to your nails, including discolouration, weakness, nail loss, and Beau's lines. These changes can take several weeks to develop and usually go away once treatment is over. However, it can take around 6 to 12 months for nails to regrow and recover after chemo. During this time, it is important to take steps to prevent and treat any nail infections. Here are some tips to help you deal with the damaging effects of chemo on your nails:
Preventing Nail Infections During Chemo:
- Keep your nails short and trimmed with smooth edges to prevent ingrown nails and possible infections.
- Moisturise your nails and cuticles regularly with special nail oil or cream, or a nourishing hand cream.
- Avoid corrosive cleaning products and wear gloves when doing dishes or gardening to protect your nails from chemicals and injuries.
- Avoid nail biting, tearing, or picking at your nails or cuticles.
- Wear loose-fitting, well-cushioned shoes to protect your toenails and provide comfort.
- Avoid artificial nails, gels, or acrylics as they can increase the risk of infection and trap bacteria.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like acetone when removing nail polish.
- Practice good hand hygiene and keep your hands and nails clean to avoid infection.
- If receiving taxane-based chemo, consider using frozen gloves and socks to reduce blood circulation to your hands and feet, preventing the chemo from reaching your nails.
Treating Nail Infections During Chemo:
- Monitor your nails for any signs of inflammation or infection, such as discharge or fluid under the nail, and report any symptoms to your doctor.
- Speak to your doctor about safe antibiotic or antifungal medications to treat secondary nail infections during chemotherapy.
- Soak your nails in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water to help with nail lifting.
- Consult your doctor about taking biotin supplements to strengthen your nails.
- Avoid professional manicures and pedicures, as nail salons can harbour bacteria. If you do get a manicure, ensure proper hygiene standards or bring your own sanitised instruments.
- Avoid using nail polish removers with acetone, as it can dry out your nails. Instead, opt for water-based or water-soluble nail polishes to increase nail strength.
Remember to treat your nails with extra care during chemotherapy and continue with a nail care routine even after treatment to promote healthy nail growth and prevent infections.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take around 6 months for fingernails to recover and a year and a half for toenails.
Chemotherapy can cause nail discoloration, brittleness, dryness, and lifting of the nail bed. Nails may also become thin and weak and may break or split more easily.
Keep your nails short and clean, and avoid biting, tearing, or picking at them. Wear gloves during chores to prevent infection and avoid artificial nails and manicures. You can use a special nail oil or cream to moisturize your nails and cuticles.
It is important to monitor any nail changes during chemotherapy and consult your doctor or oncologist. They can help address and prevent complications such as nail loss and secondary infections.
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