Nail Tips

Sometimes nails and nail beds are affected by chemotherapy drugs although the side effects are usually mild. Some temporary changes in your nails that you may experience include:

• Brittleness, grooving or discolouration.
• A change in growth rate.
• Heightened sensitivity
• Lifting of the nail from the nail bed (if you experience this, keep your nails short during treatment).

Nail Care Dos and Don’ts

• Most Important: Don’t cut your cuticles. Use cuticle removers instead.
• Use Cuticle cream, massaging it into the cuticle area to prevent dryness, splitting and hangnails.
• Avoid exposing your fingers to excessive amounts of moisture because this can lead to fungal infections of the nail bed. It may be a good idea to wear gloves when washing dishes, etc.
• Wearing nail polish may help to keep your nails strong and protect them from the environment.
• Very dry nails can become weaker or more brittle during treatment.
• When removing polish, use an oily type of remover.
• If you’re undergoing chemotherapy, avoid glue-on, porcelain or any type of artificial finger nails.
• Always discuss any signs of inflammation or infection with your doctor.