Cancer treatments that can cause nail changes
| Type of nail change | Some cancer treatments that can cause It |
| Dark areas in cuticle | Targeted therapy antiangiogenic multikin ... |
| Over-pigmented (hyperpigmented) nails | Chemotherapy such as Bleomycin, capecita ... |
| Fissures (deep grooves) | Targeted therapy or immunotherapy monocl ... |
| Hemorrhages (splinter hemorrhage) | Chemotherapy taxanes (doxorubicin, docet ... |
How does chemotherapy affect your nails?
Dec 10, 2008 · Chemotherapy can affect the strength and shape of your nails. They can become weak and brittle, develop ridges (Beau's lines), or become spoon-like in shape (koilonychia). Chemo also lowers your white blood cell count, putting you at risk for infection around your nails.
Why do I have lines on my fingernails after chemo?
9 rows · Dark areas near the cuticle of the nail (subungual lesions): These look like bruises under the ...
Can cancer treatments cause skin and nail changes?
Cancer treatments such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can cause skin and nail related side effects. A cancer patient’s skin may become dry, itchy, red, or peel. Nails may become dark, yellow, or cracked. Learn about side effects during treatment that …
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
Dec 01, 2019 · Nail changes during chemotherapy So how does chemotherapy affect your nails? Nails – both on the fingers and toes – may darken, turn yellow, become brittle, and crack easily. Beau’s lines (dark or light lines) may develop across the width of some of your nails. The area around the nail bed may become dry, and your cuticles may fray.
What does chemo do to your fingernails?
Chemotherapy can affect the strength and shape of your nails. They can become weak and brittle, develop ridges (Beau's lines), or become spoon-like in shape (koilonychia). Chemo also lowers your white blood cell count, putting you at risk for infection around your nails.Feb 6, 2022
How can I repair my nails after chemo?
Continue moisturizing your hands, and wear rubber gloves when cleaning or washing dishes to prevent bacteria from entering through cracks in the nails. Once your nails and cuticles look healthy, you can beautify them with polish or a manicure. For a little color in the meantime, try a water-based nail polish.May 1, 2019
How do I keep my nails healthy during chemo?
Most important: don't cut your cuticles. Use cuticle removers. Massage cuticle cream into the cuticle area to prevent dryness, splitting, and hangnails. Wear gloves while doing chores such as washing the car or the dishes.
Why do my fingernails hurt after chemo?
Nerve damage. Some chemotherapy drugs (including vinorelbine, cisplatin and taxanes such as paclitaxel and docetaxel) may cause nerve damage. If this happens, you may feel a burning or shooting pain or numbness (neuropathy), usually in your fingers or toes.
Why do nails turn black after chemo?
In addition to pruritus, chemotherapy, biologics, and targeted therapies can cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Chemotherapy and targeted therapy may cause your nails to turn dark, develop ridges, or become brittle. Your cuticles also may become inflamed and painful.Oct 10, 2017
How long does it take for your nails to grow back after chemotherapy?
Nail changes during chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can disrupt the growth cycles of new cells in your body. The keratin-rich cells that make up your skin and nails can be especially affected by this. Approximately 6 to 12 months after finishing treatment, your natural fingernails and toenails will start to regrow.May 11, 2021
What is a good nail moisturizer?
Moisturizing the nails at least once a day helps combat brittleness. Vaseline works, and so does any cream that that seals in moisture like Eucerin or Aquaphor, dermatologists say. Some manicurists recommend Trind Nail Balsam, which contains biotin, a B-complex vitamin.Apr 6, 2006
What are the black splinters under my fingernails?
This condition is called a splinter hemorrhage because it may look like a wood splinter under your nail. The condition is caused by damaged small blood vessels underneath your nail. Characteristics include the following: It's black or reddish brown in color.
How to treat a toenail infection?
Things you can do yourself to manage your symptoms and potentially prevent further problems include: 1 Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed. It's recommended that toenails be cut straight across and kept short. 2 Wear gloves when working. Cotton gloves can protect your hands during gardening. Consider rubber gloves when cleaning or washing dishes to keep your hands from drying out further. 3 Don't bite your nails as this increases the risk of infection. Wear cotton gloves if you are having difficulty breaking the habit. 4 Avoid manicures, pedicures, or cutting your cuticles, which could increase the risk of infection. Avoid using artificial nails. If you do get a mani/pedi, bring your own supplies. 5 In general, it is best to avoid nail polish, although some people find that using clear polish helps strengthen and may protect their nails. 6 Some people find that soaking their hands in natural oils, such as olive oil, is helpful. 7 Wear comfortable, loose-fitting shoes to minimize trauma to your toenails. 8 If one of your nails becomes loose, do not pull it off. It's better to lightly cover the area with a bandage or gauze (to avoid accidentally ripping off your nail) and allow it to fall off on its own.
What is the treatment for paronychia?
For paronychia, you may require treatment with an antibiotic or anti-fungal therapy, although a solution of povidone-iodine may work as well. 3 If you have a collection of pus starting to form, you may need to see a dermatologist for an incision and drainage procedure.
What are Beau's lines?
Beau's Lines. Lines referred to as Beau's lines may develop on your nails. 2 These colorless ridges tend to be more horizontal than vertical and can appear lighter or darker than the rest of your nail.
Can EGFR cause nail problems?
Targeted therapies, especially EGFR inhibitors used for EGFR positive lung cancer are a common cause of nail problems. 3 These tend to be more common with some drugs than others, and are commonly noted in people who use Tarceva (erlotinib).
Can you use ice packs for chemo?
A few studies have suggested that cooling hands and nails while receiving chemotherapy might decrease nail damage. Some cancer centers provide ice packs that individuals can use for this reason. Nail changes, however, can’t be prevented completely, and applying ice to your hands during chemo can be an uncomfortable experience.
What to wear when gardening?
Wear gloves when working. Cotton gloves can protect your hands during gardening. Consider rubber gloves when cleaning or washing dishes to keep your hands from drying out further. Don't bite your nails as this increases the risk of infection. Wear cotton gloves if you are having difficulty breaking the habit.
Can chemotherapy cause toenails to fall off?
Fingernails and toenails can become weak and brittle during chemotherapy. 1 They may also separate from the tissue that holds nails in place (onycholysis) and fall off after several rounds of treatment, but this is less common. Some chemotherapy medications, such as taxanes (Taxol and Taxotere) are more likely to result in nail loss than others.
What are the changes in the nail?
Some common nail changes include: Changes in the color of the nails or nailbeds (either discolored areas or over-pigmented, darker than usual areas) Ridges, markings, pits, spots, splitting and other unusual or irregular marks in the nails. Slower nail growth than usual , or temporary lack of growth .
How to treat paronychia?
Nail inflammation (paronychia): Treatment recommended by your doctor might include using a steroid ointment, and white vinegar and water soaks (1 part vinegar to 1 part water), disinfecting soaks, or oral anti-inflammatory medications, or antibiotics.
What does it mean when your nails are dark?
Dark areas near the cuticle of the nail (subungual lesions): These look like bruises under the nails, and are usually along the bottom edge of the nail, near the cuticle. These kinds of color changes can be seen in nail cancer (called melanoma) and can also be a side effect of some types of drugs used to treat cancer.
What do nails do?
Nails help protect the ends of our fingers and toes, and allow fingers to perform activities such as scratching or picking up things. Nails are normally present on each finger and toe. They are made up of the nail plate (the hardest part of the nail and the part that can be seen) and tissue that lies underneath the nail plate.
How to protect your nails from splitting?
Protect splitting, ridges, and delicate nails by using a water-soluble nail lacquer, or a prescription nail polish (that your doctor can provide) to protect your nails. Biotin (a dietary supplement) may be prescribed to strengthen your nails. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to take biotin.
Can cancer stop nails from growing?
Some medications used to treat cancer can stop the growth of nails altogether while you are taking them. If you are getting treatment in cycles, the nails may begin to grow a little in between the cycles, but may produce white horizontal lines in the nail plate, called Beau’s lines. These are harmless and will usually grow out once treatment is over.
What causes ridges in the nail plate?
Ridges or lines in the nail plate: Some medications cause different looking ridges or different colored lines in the nail plate. These may happen and remain throughout treatment and will usually grow out once the nail grows completely. Usually these types of changes are not painful.
How to get rid of itchy nails?
Take short showers or baths in lukewarm, not hot, water. Put on skin cream or ointment that is recommended by your nurse after drying off from a shower but while your skin is still a little damp. Apply a cool washcloth or ice to dry, it chy skin. Prevent or treat minor nail problems .
How to treat skin after radiation?
Take these 3 steps to help your skin feel better during treatment. First, treat your skin gently. Talk with your doctor before using any products on your skin, such as lotions, creams, or deodorants.
What is the best treatment for a rash on the face?
Your rash may be treated with a medicated cream (topical corticosteroids) or with medicine that you take as a pill (oral corticosteroids or antibiotics ).
How to prevent itchy skin?
Irritated skin can become infected. Ask about special creams or ointments for severely dry, itchy, or painful skin. Protect your skin: Use sunscreen and sun-protective lip balm.
Can chemotherapy cause skin to peel?
This is called a moist reaction. Some types of chemotherapy can cause your skin to become dry, itchy, red or darker, or peel. You may develop a minor rash or sunburn easily; this is called photosensitivity. Some people also have skin pigmentation changes.
How to protect yourself from radiation?
Protect your skin: Use sunscreen and sun-protective lip balm. Wear a loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a hat with a wide brim when outdoors to prevent sunburn. If you are receiving radiation therapy, don’t use heating pads, ice packs, or bandages on the treatment area.
Can immunotherapy cause a rash?
Some types of immunotherapy can cause a severe and sometimes extensive rash. Your skin may be dry or blister. Some types of target ed therapy may cause dry skin, a rash, and nail problems. If you develop a rash, it is important to talk with your doctor before stopping targeted therapy.
How to take off nail polish?
To take off polish, use a remover that doesn’t contain acetone, ethylacetate, or other harsh solvents. There are gentle removers specifically for water-based nail polish. Try vitamins for hair, skin, and nails. (Please note, you should always talk to your doctor before starting any supplements/ vitamins)
What does it mean when your nails turn yellow?
Nails – both on the fingers and toes – may darken, turn yellow, become brittle, and crack easily. Beau’s lines (dark or light lines) may develop across the width of some of your nails. The area around the nail bed may become dry, and your cuticles may fray.
What does it mean when your nails change color?
Changes in the color of your nails (dark or light ) Nails that break more easily, are more brittle or split. Changes in nail shape or texture, such as grooves or ridges. Nail separation from the skin below. This may or may not be painful. Discharge or fluid from under the nail that may smell bad, be painful, or both.
How long does it take for a fingernail to regrow?
The parts of your nail. These changes may prevent you from doing your usual activities. It may be hard to pick up small things such as a pen or a fork. You may have trouble buttoning your clothes. Some people have trouble walking. It takes about 6 months to regrow a fingernail and up to 1.5 years to regrow a toenail.
When is MSK 2021?
Monday, February 15 , 2021. If you have any questions, contact a member of your healthcare team directly. If you're a patient at MSK and you need to reach a provider after 5:00 pm, during the weekend, or on a holiday, call 212-639-2000. If you have any questions, contact a member of your healthcare team directly.
Do you have to wear a mask at MSK?
Masks Are Still Required at MSK. Patients and visitors must continue to wear masks while at MSK, including people who are fully vaccinated. MSK is offering COVID-19 vaccines to all patients age 12 and over. To schedule or learn more, read this. For Adult Patients /.
What to wear when you have a nail?
If you must, wear Latex-Free rubber gloves. Wear tight-fitting gloves, socks, pantyhose, or shoes. Do anything that would cause friction or pressure on your nails, such as walking or running long distances or wearing tight-fitting shoes. Bite or peel your nails.
Is nail treatment high risk?
Nail Changes. For some treatments, the risk of developing these types of changes are high. For others, the risk is much lower. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about the treatments you’re taking and your risk for developing nail changes.
Can chemotherapy cause nail changes?
Nail Changes During Treatment. This information describes nail changes that you may have while taking chemotherapy or other anti-cancer treatments and how to help manage them. Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments may cause nail changes. Some examples of these treatments are:
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
Here are some of the more common side effects caused by chemotherapy: Fatigue. Hair loss. Easy bruising and bleeding.
How long do side effects of chemo last?
These are called late effects. Sometimes the side effects can last a lifetime, such as when chemo causes long-term damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, or reproductive organs.
Is chemo bad for you?
Side effects are not always as bad as you might expect, but it's normal to worry about this part of cancer treatment. The normal cells most likely to be damaged by chemo are: Some chemo drugs can damage cells in the heart, kidneys, bladder, lungs, and nervous system.
Can chemo help with cancer?
There are also treatments to help relieve side effects. Doctors try to give chemo at levels high enough to treat cancer, while keeping side effects at a minimum. They also try to avoid using multiple drugs that have similar side effects.
Can chemo cause long term side effects?
Some chemo drugs cause long-term side effects, like heart or nerve damage or fertility problems. Still, many people have no long-term problems from chemo. Ask your doctor if the chemo drugs you’re getting have long-term effects. While side effects can be unpleasant, they must be weighed against the need to kill the cancer cells.
Can chemo drugs cause side effects?
These interactions may make side effects worse and affect how well chemo drugs work.
Does aspirin affect platelets?
Taking aspirin or other related drugs can also weaken blood platelets. This isn’t a problem for healthy people with normal platelet counts, but if a person has low platelet counts from chemo, this combination might put them at risk of a serious bleeding problem.
How does chemo work?
Chemotherapy works on active cells. Active cells are cells that are growing and dividing into more of the same type of cell. Cancer cells are active, but so are some healthy cells. These include cells in your blood, mouth, digestive system, and hair follicles.
Why is chemotherapy important?
It is an important part of cancer treatment. Doctors and scientists work constantly to develop drugs, drug combinations, and ways of giving treatment with fewer side effects. Many types of chemotherapy are easier to tolerate than they were a few years ago.
Can cancer patients be treated with palliative care?
Yes. Your health care team can help you prevent or treat many side effects. Today, many more medications are available for side effects than in the past. Preventing and treating side effects is called palliative care or supportive care. It is an important part of cancer treatment.
Can chemotherapy cause nausea?
Whether you have these side effects, and how much, depends on the specific drugs and dose. The right medications given before and after each dose of chemotherapy can usually prevent nausea and vomiting.
Can chemo cause constipation?
Chemotherapy can cause constipation. This means not having a bowel movement often enough or having difficult bowel movements. Other medicines, such as pain medication, can also cause constipation. You can lower your risk of constipation by drinking enough fluids, eating balanced meals, and getting enough exercise.
Can chemo cause low blood cells?
Chemotherapy affects this process, so you might have side effects from having too few blood cells. Usually the number of blood cells return to normal after chemotherapy is complete. But during treatment, low numbers of blood cells can cause problems and must be watched closely.
Can cancer affect sex?
Being tired or feeling sick from cancer or treatment can also affect your ability to enjoy sex. Talk with your doctor about these possible side effects before treatment starts. Learn more about managing sexual and reproductive side effects. Women might need a Pap test before starting chemotherapy.
