Liam Carter
Chemotherapy can cause several changes to your fingernails and toenails. These changes are a side effect of the treatment and can include discolouration, dryness, brittleness, and the development of grooves or ridges. In some cases, nails may even fall off. While these changes are usually temporary, they can be long-lasting and can make everyday tasks, such as writing or walking in tight-fitting shoes, painful.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Changes in nail colour | Nails may become darker or lighter |
| Nail breakage | Nails may break more easily |
| Nail texture | Nails may become dry, brittle, and fragile |
| Nail shape | Nails may develop grooves or ridges, or curve inward, forming a spoon-like shape |
| Nail separation | Nails may separate from the skin below, potentially causing pain or infection |
| Discharge or fluid | Fluid may accumulate under the nail, potentially causing pain or infection |
| Swelling | Swelling may occur in the tips of fingers or toes, with or without redness |
| Pain | Pain may be experienced around the fingers or toenails |
| Nail regrowth | It typically takes 6 months to regrow fingernails and up to 1.5 years for toenails |
| Nail strength | Nails may become thinner and weaker |
| Nail appearance | Nails may look bruised or discoloured |
| Nail lifting | Nails may lift off the nail bed |
| Ridges | Horizontal ridges known as Beau's lines may form on the nails |
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What You'll Learn
Nail changes during chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can cause several temporary changes to your fingernails and toenails. These changes are a side effect of the treatment's disruption of the growth cycles of new cells in the body, particularly keratin-rich cells that make up the skin and nails.
Most people undergoing chemotherapy will experience nail brittleness and weakness. Nails may also become dry, discoloured, or develop vertical or horizontal ridges and grooves. In some cases, nails may separate from the skin below, curve inward, or fall off. These changes can make everyday tasks such as writing or walking in tight-fitting shoes painful.
To prevent or minimise nail damage during chemotherapy, you can:
- Keep your nails short and smooth to prevent ingrown nails and possible infections.
- Moisturise your nails and the surrounding skin with special nail oil or cream, or a nourishing hand cream.
- Avoid corrosive cleaning products and wear gloves when doing household chores, especially when washing dishes.
- Avoid nail biting and skin chewing.
- Use a nail strengthener or paint your nails to hide discolouration and increase nail strength. Use water-soluble nail polish and acetone-free remover to avoid further drying.
After chemotherapy treatment, it can take about six to twelve months for fingernails to grow back, and up to a year and a half for toenails. In some cases, nails may never return to their pre-treatment state or may regrow abnormally.
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Preventing nail damage
Chemotherapy can affect your fingernails and toenails, causing them to become dry, brittle, and fragile. They may also discolour or develop grooves or ridges, and in some cases, they may even fall off. However, it's important to note that not everyone experiences nail changes during chemotherapy, and most changes are temporary, healing within a few weeks to months.
Keep Nails Trimmed and Smooth
Keep your nails short and well-maintained. Ensure the edges are straight and smooth, not too short on the outside. This prevents ingrown nails and possible infections.
Moisturise Regularly
Use a special nail oil or cream, or a good nourishing hand cream, to moisturise your nails, cuticles, and the skin around your nails. You can also use a hydrating nail solution or a nail strengthener, which is a special type of nail polish that strengthens the nails. Remember to moisturise your toenails as well!
Avoid Corrosive Products
Avoid corrosive cleaning products and nail polish with alcohol or acetone as these can be harsh on your nails. If you use nail polish, opt for a water-soluble or acetone-free variety, and always use an acetone-free nail polish remover.
Wear Protective Gloves
When doing household chores, especially washing dishes, wear protective gloves to shield your nails from harsh chemicals and friction. You can also wear cotton gloves after moisturising or during physical activities.
Avoid Nail Biting
Nail biting can aggravate the problem and increase the risk of infection. If you have a habit of chewing the skin around your nails, it's best to avoid this as well.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
Speak to your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider about your nail health. They can provide tips, medications, and advice on managing nail changes. They may also recommend certain products or treatments, such as frozen gloves, to minimise nail damage.
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Nail care during chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can affect your fingernails and toenails, causing them to become dry, brittle, and fragile. They may also discolour or develop ridges and grooves, and in some cases, they may even fall off. While these changes are usually temporary, they can be distressing and uncomfortable. Here are some tips to help you care for your nails during chemotherapy:
Keep Nails Trimmed and Smooth
It is important to keep your nails short and well-maintained. Trim your nails regularly, ensuring the edges are straight and smooth. Avoid cutting them too short, especially on the outside, to prevent ingrown nails and possible infections.
Moisturise Regularly
Just like your skin, your nails can benefit from additional moisturising to prevent dryness. Use a special nail oil or cream, or simply opt for a nourishing hand cream. Massage the cream into your cuticles, the skin around your nails, and the nails themselves. Don't forget to moisturise your toenails as well!
Avoid Harmful Products
Try to minimise the use of products and treatments that can make your nails even more brittle. Avoid corrosive cleaning products, and if you must use them, wear protective gloves. Also, be cautious when taking vitamins and supplements, as their effects may not be scientifically proven, and they may interact with your chemotherapy treatment.
Nail Polish
While it is advisable to avoid nail polish, you can paint your nails on special occasions. Use a water-soluble or nail-strengthening polish, and choose an acetone-free remover to prevent further drying. Always use a colourless, nourishing base coat to protect your nails from discolouration.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
If you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, bleeding, discharge, swelling, pain, or redness, contact your doctor. They can provide medications and treatments to help manage your symptoms. Additionally, ask your healthcare provider about the use of cold packs or frozen gloves during chemotherapy to minimise nail changes.
Remember, these tips are general guidelines, and it is always best to consult your doctor, oncology coach, or nurse for personalised advice.
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Nail recovery after chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can cause nail changes, including discolouration, dryness, brittleness, and fragility. In some cases, nails may even fall off. While these changes are temporary for most people, it can take about six to twelve months for fingernails to grow back, and toenails may take up to a year or longer. In some cases, nails never return to their pre-chemo state.
- Keep your nails trimmed and filed to prevent ingrown nails and possible infections.
- Moisturise your nails and the surrounding skin regularly to prevent dryness. You can use a special nail oil or cream, or a nourishing hand cream.
- Avoid corrosive cleaning products, and wear gloves when doing household chores, especially when washing dishes.
- Avoid nail biting and skin picking, as this can aggravate nail problems and increase the risk of infection.
- Use a nail strengthener or nail polish to increase nail strength and hide discolouration. Choose a water-soluble or acetone-free nail polish to avoid further drying.
- Soak your nails in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water to treat nail separation from the nail bed.
- Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about any concerns or persistent symptoms, as they can provide additional tips and medications to aid in nail recovery.
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Chemotherapy drugs that affect nails
Chemotherapy can affect your fingernails and toenails, and this is a common side effect of some chemotherapy drugs. However, it's important to note that not everyone will experience changes to their nails during chemotherapy treatment.
The main drugs that cause nail changes are:
- Taxanes (e.g. Taxotere, Taxol, and Abraxane)
- Anthracyclines (e.g. Doxorubicin and Epirubicin)
- Topotecan and irinotecan
These drugs can cause nail pigmentation and changes in nail colour (darker or lighter). They can also affect the texture and appearance of your nails, making them dry, brittle, and fragile. Nails may also develop grooves or ridges and, in some cases, may fall off.
It's important to note that everyone's body responds differently to chemotherapy, and the side effects may depend on the type of chemotherapy and the doses. If you are experiencing any changes to your nails during chemotherapy, it is recommended to consult your doctor or oncologist for advice and to discuss possible treatments to relieve symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Chemotherapy can cause nail changes such as discolouration, dryness, brittleness, and fragility. Nails may also develop ridges, grooves, or lines, and in some cases, they may fall off. These side effects depend on the type of chemotherapy and the doses.
To care for your nails during chemotherapy, it is recommended to keep your nails short and moisturised. You can use a special nail oil or cream, or a nourishing hand cream. It is also advised to wear gloves when doing household chores, especially when washing dishes, to protect your nails from corrosive cleaning products.
Yes, there can be long-term effects on your nails after chemotherapy. It can take about six months to a year or longer for nails to regrow and return to normal. In some cases, nails may never return to how they were before chemotherapy and may continue to be brittle and dry.
