NAILS' PROBLEMS during cancer treatment

Systemic cancer treatment

(chemo- & targeted therapy)

sometimes affects nails.

Their color or shape may change; can appear spots, furrows, thickening; nails can begin to peel or become brittle.

Bigger problems - cuticle inflammation, ingrown toenails or nail detachment - are risky for developing dangerous infections.

Fortunately, like a hair loss, problems with nails during cancer treatment are temporary.

Nails are most often affected by chemotherapy with taxanes (docetaxel, paclitaxel, abraxane), capecitabine, fluorouracil, gemcitabine, cisplatin, anthracyclines (doxorubicin, daunorubicin), bleomycin, anti-EGFR targeted drugs (cetuximab, panitumumab, trastuzumab).

A the type and depth of nails' problems depend on medicines and their doses.

Fingernails suffer more often than toenails.

Changes may affect all or some nails at once.

It may take up to 6 months to restore fingernails, and up to 1.5 years on toenails.

• refuse  esthetic manicure and replace it by hygiene care: the nail plate will suffer less, if it is just trimmed natural nails;

•  use gloves when doing housework;

• apply the cream or oil on cuticles, on the skin around nails and on nails themselves to avoid dryness and hangnails. If hangnails appear, carefully cut them off;

•  avoid  tight shoes. Avoid socks and shoes that make your feet sweat;

•  keep your hands and feet clean to avoid infection;

•  if you have a seen a problem , kindly visit your doctor, especially, if you have also fever or chill. Do not self-medicate: your immune system is week and infection can develop very fast;

• do not use  supplements or vitamins without indications: scientific data did not confirm their effectiveness.

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I hope, these tips will help you to avoid nail problems.

But if difficulties arise, it is better to contact a specialist as soon as possible.