Toe nails

When my nails started to lift my cancer nurse said I could soak them in a saline solution (i.e. cooking salt dissolved in water) to prevent infection. Your pharmacist might also be able to suggest another topical treatment for the skin and to prevent infection.

Chemo seems quite tough on feet, I also had to buy urea cream when my heels started to crack. Some skin has peeled but it seems to have sorted it out for now.

Hi Mackinley

Sorry you find yourself in this forum but I have found it a great help, full of information and support. I too am having toenail problems - my mastectomy and full lymph clearance was in January and my chemo took place from March to July. About 6 weeks later both toenails are detached from the nail bed by the cuticle. My fingernails have also split and flaked off at the very top. I've been assured this does sometimes happen with the chemo drugs that I was given - fec-t. I've also been assured everything will grow back but toenails can take 2 years. All part of this so called journey that you will get through, just stay strong - I know it's not easy but if I can do it then so can you, we are here to help and support. Big virtual hugs to you, keep in touch. Lots of love xx

Thank you for the advice I will try the foot soak x

Hi Mollie57 it is reassuring to know there are others with the same issues never quite sure when to seek advice. Hope you are recovering well appreciate your response take care xx

Hi

Funny you should say that ...been to podiatry today lol    I finished chemo in Dec my story on profile .

Just before last chemo big toe nails lifted from nail bed . I was checked but no infection I was advised to keep clean but better to wait for chemo 

to leave system prior to treatment . I asked at doctors and was told as it was caused by chemo I would be seen by Nhs podiatry rather than paying chiropodist.

Nails were cut down and left to regrow because of shutdown been seen again today hopefully nails are about to grow beyond top of toe without ingrowing . 

Ask for bloods to be done to check if you have infection . 

Saline water will  keep your toes clean but do ask for NHS referral 

hope it all gets sorted 

Hi Margaret, thanks for sharing your experience I have had a good response to the foot soak but if problems persist I will take your advice & ask to be referred.

take care, all the best x

Northerner I didn't know that about NHS treatment for chemo things, thanks for mentioning it! Fingers (toes?) crossed I won't need that particular treatment, but you never know... 

Hi

I mentioned to the nurse at my GP practice when getting diabetic check if she could refer me to chiropodist as I didn't know who would be best . She said no you no longer get  chiropodist to cut nails on NHS but when I said don't want cutting coming off because of chemo . She immediately said no prob refer to podiatry . 

As you say nobody mentions it to you you have to ask even the nurses on chemo unit didn't know .

hope you don't need a referral