Noah Sinclair
Chemotherapy can cause nail changes in around 38% of people, including discolouration, changes in texture, grooves, ridges, and nail loss. Fortunately, nails typically grow back within 6 months of completing chemotherapy, though toenails can take up to 1.5 years to fully recover. During this recovery period, it is important to care for nails by keeping them trimmed, moisturized, and free of infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for nails to grow back | 6 months for fingernails and 1.5 years for toenails |
| Nail changes | Color, texture, grooves, ridges, nail separation, discharge, swelling, pain, slowed nail growth |
| Nail care tips | Keep nails trimmed, moisturize, avoid corrosive cleaning products, wear gloves, avoid nail biting, use hydrating nail solutions |
| Nail infections | Increased risk of fungal and bacterial infections, treat with antibiotics or antifungal medication |
| Nail problems | Nails may become thin, brittle, dry, fragile, and prone to breakage |
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What You'll Learn
Nails may take 6-12 months to grow back after chemo
Chemotherapy can cause changes in a person's fingernails and toenails. These changes can include discolouration, changes in texture, and partial or full nail loss. These side effects occur because chemotherapy drugs target fast-growing cells, such as those that control nail growth.
Fortunately, nails typically begin to grow back after chemotherapy ends. However, this process can take time, and it may be 6-12 months before nails are fully regrown. Specifically, it takes around six months for a fingernail to regrow and about 1.5 years for a toenail. In the meantime, it is essential to care for nails properly during this period to ensure they grow back strong and healthy.
To promote nail health after chemotherapy, it is recommended to keep nails trimmed and clean. This helps to prevent infections, which can be more common during chemotherapy due to a reduction in infection-fighting white blood cells. It is also important to avoid biting or picking at nails, as this can cause further damage. Additionally, moisturising the nails and surrounding skin can help to keep them strong and flexible.
In some cases, nails may not grow back at all after chemotherapy. This is a rare occurrence, but it is important to contact a doctor if nails do not regrow or if there are concerns about their growth. They may recommend special treatments or refer patients to specialists. Overall, it is crucial to prioritise nail care during and after chemotherapy to support nail health and reduce the risk of infections.
There are also ways to protect your nails during chemotherapy. For example, wearing gloves can help to reduce the risk of infection and strengthen nails. Additionally, certain chemotherapy drugs, such as taxane, may be less likely to affect the nails if cold packs are applied to the hands and feet during treatment. This reduces blood circulation, preventing the chemotherapy drugs from reaching the nails.
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Nails may become dry, brittle, and fragile
Chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells, such as cancer cells, to slow or prevent their growth. However, chemotherapy drugs may also target fast-growing body cells, such as those that control nail growth. As a result, nails may become dry, brittle, and fragile.
During chemotherapy, nails can become thinner and more brittle, making them more prone to breakage. Nails may also develop grooves or ridges and, in some cases, may even fall off. These changes can make everyday tasks, such as writing or walking in tight-fitting shoes, painful.
To protect brittle nails during chemotherapy, it is recommended to keep them trimmed and moisturized. Avoiding corrosive cleaning products and wearing gloves while doing dishes or gardening can also help reduce the risk of nail breakage. Additionally, it is important to avoid nail biting and picking at the skin around the nails, as wounds take longer to heal during chemotherapy and can lead to infections.
After completing chemotherapy, nails typically start to regrow within 6 to 12 months. During this recovery period, it is essential to continue caring for the nails by keeping them trimmed, clean, and moisturized. In some cases, nails may not grow back, and medical intervention may be necessary.
Overall, the side effects of chemotherapy on nails can vary, and it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.
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Nails may develop grooves or ridges
Chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells, such as those that control nail growth, which can result in nail changes. These changes can affect the colour or texture of nails, and may cause nails to become dry, brittle, and fragile. In some cases, nails may even discolour or develop grooves or ridges, and in the worst cases, they may fall off.
Beau's lines are horizontal ridges that run across the nails. They are caused by disruptions in nail growth, which can occur during chemotherapy. Beau's lines indicate that something has interrupted nail growth and are fairly common in people who have received chemotherapy. They can also be caused by infections, which can result from chemotherapy. While nail ridging is usually the least aggressive side effect and doesn't require treatment, it is still important to treat nails with extra care throughout chemotherapy.
To prevent and manage nail changes during chemotherapy, it is recommended to keep nails trimmed, moisturised, and avoid products that can make them more brittle. It is also important to avoid biting nails, as wounds take longer to heal during chemotherapy and can result in infections. Wearing gloves while cleaning or performing tasks that may cause cuts or scratches can help protect the nails and reduce the risk of infection. Applying a cold pack to the nails during chemotherapy infusions may also help prevent nail lifting.
After completing chemotherapy, nails should begin to grow back within 6 to 12 months, although this timeline may vary. Toenails may take longer to regrow, up to 1.5 years. In some rare cases, nails may not grow back at all. It is important to monitor any nail changes and seek medical advice if there are concerns or persistent symptoms, such as pain or odour.
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Nails may become thicker and more painful
Chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells, helping to slow or prevent the growth of cancer cells. However, it may also target the cells that control hair or nail growth, resulting in various nail-related side effects. Most patients' nail changes are short-term, and their nails grow back healthy after completing cancer treatment. However, some patients may experience longer-term side effects, such as nails growing back thicker and more painful.
It is important to note that nail changes during chemotherapy can vary depending on the type of chemotherapy and the doses administered. Certain chemotherapy drugs, such as Taxotere, are more likely to cause nail-related side effects. These side effects can include nails becoming dry, brittle, fragile, and discolored, with grooves or ridges forming. In some cases, nails may even fall off.
To manage nails that have become thicker and more painful after chemotherapy, it is recommended to consult a doctor or specialist. They may suggest specific treatments or provide advice on nail care. Additionally, it is advised to avoid manicures or pedicures during chemotherapy due to the increased risk of infection. Practicing good nail hygiene and keeping nails trimmed and moisturized can help prevent and manage nail-related side effects.
Overall, while nail changes during and after chemotherapy can be challenging, there are strategies to address and manage these changes. It is important to seek professional advice and maintain open communication with healthcare providers to find the best solutions for nail care and recovery.
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Nails may become discoloured
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 cells that control hair or nail growth. This can result in a person developing certain side effects affecting their nails.
In addition to discolouration, chemotherapy can also cause other changes to the nails. These changes can include the nails becoming dry, brittle, and fragile. They may develop grooves or ridges and, in some cases, may fall off. These side effects depend on the type of chemotherapy and the doses. Most patients' nail changes are short-term, and their nails grow back healthy after they complete cancer treatment. However, some nail changes from cytotoxic chemotherapy may be longer-term.
There are ways to help strengthen and protect nails during chemotherapy. It is recommended to keep nails short and clean and to strengthen them using water-soluble nail lacquer or prescription nail polish. Wearing gloves during housework and gardening can help prevent infection, and it is important to avoid biting, tearing, or picking at nails or cuticles. Additionally, wearing loose-fitting shoes and avoiding manicures and pedicures can help reduce the risk of infection.
If you notice any nail changes during chemotherapy, it is important to contact your doctor. They can help monitor nail changes and advise on any steps to manage them.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 6 months for fingernails to grow back, and about 1.5 years for toenails.
Keep your nails trimmed, moisturised, and clean. Avoid corrosive cleaning products and wear gloves when washing dishes or gardening.
Chemotherapy drugs target fast-growing cells to slow or prevent the growth of cancer cells. These drugs can also target fast-growing body cells, such as those that control nail growth, causing nail loss.
Contact your doctor. They may refer you to specialists for further treatment.
