Liam Carter
Chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells to slow or prevent cancer growth. However, this can also affect the growth of body cells like hair and nails, causing nail loss, discolouration, and changes in texture. While nail changes are usually short-term, with nails growing back healthy after treatment, some changes can be longer-lasting. To promote nail growth and strength, it is recommended to keep nails trimmed, clean, and moisturised, and to avoid manicures and pedicures to prevent infections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to grow back | Fingernails take 6 months to grow back, while toenails can take longer to regrow, up to 1.5 years. |
| Nail changes | Nails may become thinner, more brittle, and weaker. They may also discolour, develop grooves or ridges, or fall off. |
| Preventing nail damage | Keep nails short and straight, avoid manicures/pedicures, moisturize nails and cuticles, and avoid corrosive cleaning products. |
| Treating nail damage | Use special nail oil or cream, apply clear or colourless nail polish, take biotin supplements, and examine nails daily for infections. |
| Managing side effects | Speak to your doctor about side effects and strategies to manage them. Antibiotics or antifungal medication may be prescribed for infections. |
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What You'll Learn
Keep nails trimmed and clean
Chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells, including those that control nail growth. This can cause changes in the colour or texture of nails, and nails may become thinner, more brittle, and weaker. Nails may also bend or break more easily, and some patients may experience thicker nails that grow back painfully.
To help nails grow back stronger and faster, it is important to keep nails trimmed and clean. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Keep nails trimmed short, especially when starting chemotherapy. Nails should be straight and smooth, not too short on the outside, to prevent ingrown nails and possible infections.
- Examine nails daily for any changes. Look out for symptoms of secondary nail infection or fungal nail infection, such as fever and redness, discharge, or drainage around the nails.
- Treat any infections promptly. Notify your healthcare provider if you notice any signs of infection, as you may need antibiotics or antifungal creams. Tea tree oil has been used to treat fungal infections.
- Avoid nail biting, as this can aggravate the problem of brittle nails.
- Wear gloves when doing the dishes or gardening to protect nails and avoid wounds or cuts that can lead to infections.
- Avoid corrosive cleaning products, as they can be harmful to brittle nails.
- Use a special nail oil or cream to moisturize nails and prevent dryness. Massage the cream into the cuticles, the skin around the nails, and the nails themselves.
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Moisturise nails and cuticles
Chemotherapy can have adverse effects on your nails, causing them to become dry, brittle, and fragile. They may also discolour or develop grooves or ridges and, in some cases, may even fall off. To counter these effects and promote nail health, it is important to moisturise your nails and cuticles.
Moisturising your nails and cuticles can help prevent dryness during chemotherapy. You can use a special nail oil or cream designed for nail care, but a nourishing hand cream can also be effective. Massage the cream into your cuticles, the skin around your nails, and the nails themselves. Don't forget to moisturise your toenails as well. Natural nail oils or creams are recommended, and if you choose to use nail polish, opt for a colourless, nourishing base coat to protect your nails.
It is advisable to keep your nails moisturised and trimmed during chemotherapy. This will help prevent ingrown nails and reduce the risk of infections. Additionally, avoid biting your nails and the skin around them, as this can aggravate the problem and increase the risk of bacterial infections. Keeping your nails short, straight, and smooth will help manage the side effects of chemo on your nails.
To further protect your nails, consider wearing gloves when doing tasks like gardening, DIY, or even washing dishes. This will help prevent wounds and exposure to harmful chemicals in cleaning products. It is also recommended to increase the humidity in your home to create a more nail-friendly environment.
While nail changes during chemotherapy are common, moisturising and caring for your nails can help mitigate these effects. However, if you experience any symptoms of nail infection or other issues, consult your doctor for advice and appropriate treatment.
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Avoid manicures and pedicures
Chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells, such as cancer cells, to prevent their growth. However, this can also affect the cells that control nail growth, leading to nail changes in 38% of patients. These changes include discolouration, texture changes, and even partial or full nail loss. While nails typically grow back healthy after treatment, this can take six months to a year and a half. During this time, nails are more susceptible to damage and infection.
To avoid the risk of infection, it is recommended that you avoid manicures and pedicures. Manicures and pedicures can cause wounds or manipulate the cuticles, which can lead to infection. Chemotherapy reduces infection-fighting white blood cells, so any wounds or cuticle manipulation can have more severe consequences. Additionally, manicures and pedicures may involve nail polish, which can dry out nails and make them more brittle.
Instead of getting a manicure or pedicure, you can care for your nails at home. Keep your nails short and straight, avoiding cutting them too short on the outside to prevent ingrown nails. Moisturise your nails and cuticles with a special nail oil or cream, or a nourishing hand cream. You can also use clear or coloured nail polish without alcohol or acetone, but be sure to apply a colourless, nourishing base coat first.
If you do choose to get a manicure or pedicure, take precautions to minimise the risk of infection. Ensure that your manicurist or pedicurist is aware of your situation and takes appropriate measures to sterilise their tools. Avoid any treatments that may cause wounds or manipulate your cuticles. Choose a nail polish that does not contain alcohol or acetone to minimise nail dryness and brittleness.
While it is important to avoid manicures and pedicures during chemotherapy and the recovery period, you can still care for and pamper your nails at home. By taking the necessary precautions, you can maintain nail health and reduce the risk of infection.
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Take supplements with caution
Chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells, such as cancer cells, to prevent their growth. However, this can also affect the cells that control nail growth, leading to nail changes in 38% of patients. These changes include discolouration, texture changes, and even partial or full nail loss. While nails typically grow back healthy after treatment, this process can take six months to a year and a half.
During this recovery period, it is important to take extra care of your nails to promote healthy regrowth. This includes keeping nails trimmed and straight to prevent ingrown nails and infections. Additionally, moisturising your nails with special nail oil, cream, or hand cream can prevent dryness. It is also recommended to avoid nail polish, especially those containing alcohol or acetone, and to wear gloves when using corrosive cleaning products.
To strengthen nails, some people may consider taking supplements. However, it is important to exercise caution when taking supplements during chemotherapy. While pharmacies sell various vitamins and supplements marketed for nail strength, their effectiveness is often not scientifically proven. More importantly, some substances in these products may interfere with the effects of chemotherapy or other medications. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your doctor or oncologist before taking any supplements to ensure they will not negatively impact your treatment.
If you are experiencing nail changes due to chemotherapy, it is essential to maintain open communication with your doctor or oncologist. They can provide strategies and recommendations to manage side effects and alleviate discomfort during and after chemotherapy sessions. For example, they may suggest specific treatments for nail infections, such as antibiotic or antifungal medications, to address any issues that arise during your recovery.
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Speak to your doctor
Chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells, such as cancer cells, to prevent their growth. However, it may also target the cells that control nail growth, leading to nail changes in 38% of patients. These changes can include discolouration, changes in texture, and nail loss.
If you notice any nail changes during chemotherapy, it is important to contact your doctor. They can advise you on how to manage these changes and recommend strategies to ease your discomfort. Your doctor may suggest keeping your nails trimmed and clean, which can help them grow back stronger and quicker and reduce the risk of infection. They may also recommend avoiding manicures and pedicures, as these can increase the risk of infection.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, discharge, or fever, it is crucial to notify your healthcare provider. They may prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medications to treat the infection. Additionally, your doctor can advise you on the use of supplements, such as biotin, to strengthen your nails. However, be sure to consult with them before taking any supplements, as some may interfere with your chemotherapy treatment.
Your doctor can provide guidance on managing nail changes and maintaining nail health during chemotherapy. They will have insights into the specific chemotherapy drugs you are taking and their potential side effects. They can offer personalised recommendations to help you care for your nails and manage any discomfort effectively.
Speaking to your doctor about any nail changes during chemotherapy is essential for managing your symptoms and ensuring your comfort and well-being throughout your treatment journey. They are your best source of information and can provide tailored advice based on your individual circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
Fingernails usually recover around six months after completing chemotherapy, while toenails can take up to a year and a half to regrow.
Chemotherapy targets fast-growing cells, including those that control nail growth. This can lead to nail loss, Beau's lines (horizontal ridges), discolouration, and spoon nails (nails that rise at the ends). Nails may also become thinner, more brittle, and prone to infections.
Keep your nails trimmed and moisturised. Avoid nail polish, but if desired, use a colourless, nourishing base coat. Avoid corrosive cleaning products and wear gloves when doing dishes. Avoid nail biting and wounds to prevent infections.
Biotin supplements may help strengthen fragile nails, but always consult your doctor before starting any supplements during chemotherapy as they may interfere with treatment. Tea tree oil or antifungal medication can help treat fungal infections.
Notify your doctor or oncologist about any side effects, as they may have strategies to remedy and ease discomfort. Avoid manicures or pedicures, as they can increase the risk of infection.
