Forum Discussion

jenniferp's avatar
jenniferp
Member
15 years ago

Chemo and fingernail damage

I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions for managing fingernail damage following chemo. I finished chemo 6 weeks ago but over the past few weeks my fingernails have started to split from the underlying new nail at varying places over the fingernail bed. It is not painful but is a problem because the nails keep catching and tearing. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

chemotherapy
side-effects

6 Replies

  • jenniferp's avatar
    jenniferp
    Member
    15 years ago

    Hi Sam

    Thanks for this - yes, I am too the bandaid bandit. I haven't tried the hospital tape, I will give it a try. I have tried the nail polish/hardener system and moisturiser but may I need to revisit it again.

    Thanks for your help.

    Cheers Jenny

  • jenniferp's avatar
    jenniferp
    Member
    15 years ago

    Thanks Maria

    I had been using a similar product and following the same regime during treatment. I had used dark nail poilish as well and thought that I had been successful but  my nails have really only started splitting and cracking in the last month. I am going to see a nail tech (as Leonie suggested) to see what they can suggest.

    Thanks for you suggestions

    JenniferP

  • jenniferp's avatar
    jenniferp
    Member
    15 years ago

    Thanks Leonie, 

    What is the frozen glove treatment. It's too late now because I have finished Chemo but I have never heard of it. I am currently looking for a good nail technician.   A couple that I have spoken with hadn't seen nail damage from chemo before. But I have a another tech to try this week. Thanks for the moisturising tip

    Cheers Jenniferp 

  • Samantha_Cunnin's avatar
    Samantha_Cunnin
    Member
    15 years ago

    yes..i had the same thing happen..i used the revitanail system..like maria..but i did 1 coat a day for 5 days then clean off for 2. then repeat..EVERY week of chemo time and it helped a lot...altho the underbed splitting as u have described still occurred...i found i had to tape my nails down with bandaids or maybe get some of that papery tape they use in hospital-u can get it at the chemist-not quite as icky as bandaids..and kept the nail itself short..at least taped down they dont catch on things-not pretty, but at least temporary..think it took about 4-6 weeks before i didnt need to tape..and i didn't have to do every finger..

    good luck with it...funny, some the things that we have to do :)

    sam  :)

     

  • Maria333's avatar
    Maria333
    Member
    15 years ago

    Hello jenniferp,

    I have been using a brand called 'revitanail' but any nail strengthener will do.It suggests 2 coats a day and then remove for two days to let yoru nails breathe.  

    I have heard using black or chocolate brown nail polish as a sunscreen to help protect the nail bed is also recommended.

    I use a hand mosturiser regularly and rub into nail beds. I think I sped more time now looking after my nails than I ever did. But then again, I do have more time on my hands now.

    All the best,

    Maria333

  • Leonie_Moore's avatar
    Leonie_Moore
    Member
    15 years ago

    I love my nails and get them done regularly.  Before chemo though I took the acrylic nails off as my daughters begged me to.  They were afraid of me getting infections.  I had the frozen glove treatment with Taxetore which was a bit of a challenge but I perservered hoping that I would save my nails.  Yes, it worked.  My nails are really good so I'm off to the nail tech tomorrow to make them really pretty again.  My advice to you would be to see a good nail technician and ask her advice.  I know that some friends of mine who had chemo quite a few years ago had lots of trouble with their nails.  Good luck. XLeonie.  PS our nails need lots of moisture so every time you think of it rub some moisturiser into them.