Hi ladies, just wondering if anyone had problems with their nails after chemo? I am 3 weeks after my last chemo and I have stated to notice my finger nails lifting from the skin. They did become quite sore and then yellow during the last 3 chemo's and now they are still sore. What do I do if they fall off? The thought of that happening is a bit scary. First my hair, now my nails...

My finger nails had a distinct ridge across them. I think this was because the nail had died during the chemo and then started to grow again when chemo stopped. The dead top part of my nails were not strong at all and broke off easily. As the nail started to grow again the dead, top part was discoloured badly and I could not ripp things up or apart easily. However, I did not loose any finger nails. I did, however, loose my two big toe nails. This was not painful, just unsightly. My big toe nails simply died from top to bottom, then as the new nail started to grow once I had stopped chemo it pushed the old nail up and off ~ they were a little bit tender at first. Hoping you don't loose your nails, Ann

Hi I too lost some toe nails, my fingernails got very yellow but did not fall off. I was very diligent about putting on the nail harder that th BC nurse gave to me. Regards Robyn

I too lost a few nails, and many were unsightly for some months. I just gently and regularly trimmed off the dead bits as I found the new ones were pushing up from the nail beds. I moisturise all my nails now with good old lanolin a few times during the day as they are all a bit dry and prone to splitting and cracking if I don't, and wear nail polish only occasionally. I have found my skin, hair and nails are drier than before chemo. but I keep up a routine of lots of mositurising and things are pretty good. I also use gloves without fail to protect my skin and nails when doing gardening and housework. Best wishes.

finger nails query | BCNA Online Network

15 Replies

magicmum
Member
12 years ago
I didn't lose mine, but they became SO brittle, flaky and just plain destroyed. I use Revitanail and anyother hardener/ protector that I can use. I have been wearing plastic nails now for 18 mths when I'm working or out but always have a coat of something on the rest of the time otherwise they just crack off.

magicmum
Christinex
Member
12 years ago
Can anyone tell me if you should put revitanail on new growth (or moon shape) on fingernails. Mine haven't fallen off or flaked, but are so sore and I really don't think I would like to lose my nails!!
Christinex
Member
12 years ago
Can anyone tell me if you should put revitanail on new growth (or moon shape) on fingernails. Mine haven't fallen off or flaked, but are so sore and I really don't think I would like to lose my nails!!
newbie12
Member
13 years ago
hey there

I was told to use black nail polish as the sun can affect your fingernails as well.
newbie12
Member
13 years ago
hey there

I was told to use black nail polish as the sun can affect your fingernails as well.
Nads07
Member
13 years ago
Thank you all for your advice. It's always good to know there are people out there that can help with these issues. Nads xxx
Annie_Gayed
Member
13 years ago
.. oh, and you might find these blog posts by other women useful...

http://www.bcna.org.au/user/4548/blog/15838

http://www.bcna.org.au/user/1263/blog/5037

~ Annie
Annie_Gayed
Member
13 years ago
Hi Nads,

Turns out, issues with finger and toe nails are quite common while being treated with certain chemotherapy drugs.

BCNA developed some good info on this issue, which you can find on our website here - http://www.bcna.org.au/new-diagnosis/treatment/chemotherapy/nail-changes

The info includes practical tips from other women to help you get by.

Good luck,

~ Annie
magicmum
Member
13 years ago
Mine are discoloured near the top and very very brittle, as soon as they grow a bit the edges just chip off.

I have used nail hardener all through,and ice mitts. I did not lose any toenails, and they don't seem to be affected. I am guessing once the discolouration reaches the edge they will be back to normal.

Wear gloves for gardening and washing up and anything that puts strain on your nails/hands. Use a strengthening nail hardener and hand cream to keep the skin supple.

Goodluck

magicmum
bmc
Member
13 years ago
I too lost a few nails, and many were unsightly for some months.

I just gently and regularly trimmed off the dead bits as I found the new ones were pushing up from the nail beds.

I moisturise all my nails now with good old lanolin a few times during the day as they are all a bit dry and prone to splitting and cracking if I don't, and wear nail polish only occasionally.

I have found my skin, hair and nails are drier than before chemo. but I keep up a routine of lots of mositurising and things are pretty good. I also use gloves without fail to protect my skin and nails when doing gardening and housework.

Best wishes.