Nails

I had EC and was told that it doesn't affect your nails too much (unlike Taxol which I had afterwards), however the advice I got was to not use any gel polish or harsh chemicals on my nails (or body!) during chemo - I was told to use only extra gentle products throughout. I was advised to use a silicium enriched nail polish and very gentle remover to protect my nails from UV damage and weakening. I was also advised to keep my nails short and to not cut cuticles during treatment so I just pushed them back. After 4xEC and 12xTaxol, my nails were in perfect shape. I used Même Cosmetics base coat/nail varnish/top coat/remover every week and found they had a great range of pretty colours!

Maybe check with your nurse what they think about it?

Hi Boo359,

I have done a little bit on research on non toxic nail polish and stumble upon this particular brand called Nail Kind. I have been using their nail colours for the past two weeks. Happy to report that their polish stay on for about a week before the first sign of chipping and very easy removal using gentle, non acetone polish remover. 

https://www.nailkind.com/

p/s: I am also about to start EC every two weeks, 8 rounds altogether. 

Hi 

All the advice from everyone is very helpful, thank you. I am due to start chemo first, just waiting for oncology apt. I will ask the nurse when I’m seen but can I ask where you bought the Meme products?

many thanks

You can buy them online here: https://www.memecosmetics.fr/en/

It's a French company, but they deliver to the UK. The nail varnishes are silicon-enriched to help nourish and protect weakened nails. There are probably other brands available if you look around, but I like these ones as there's so many nice colours

Best of luck with chemo!

Thank you!

I didn't use nail gels at all during chemo - it affects all fast growing cells, so nails do become weakened. I only just put gel on again with a UV lamp a couple of weeks ago and that was 18 months after chemo! The gels aren't that good for your nails, so I just didn't want to do it, but that is an extreme case.

I would say stick with a nice natural nail polish during chemo and until your nails have grown out afterwards. Mine went weird and off colour, though I also had docetaxel. My toe nails have still not grown out the thickened nails from that.

I also used Nail Kind during chemo - it is really great stuff and not too bad for chipping, considering I was used to gels

Thank for all your help. My nails have never grown back perfect even though its just under a year ago I finished chemo. My toenails are still non existing  but hey ho. I'm still here and that's all that matters  

I now have SNS powder dip and they're fine 

Carol

Xx