Chemo nails, help!!

Hi Cosette,

I did not lose mine but the nails, particularly on my hands, became very dull, flaky, broke off and had vertical ridges that did in places start to split. They almost looked a sort of greyish colour. I used Tropic hand cream and tropic nail nectar regularly and it really helped. It's taken about 9 months after chemo for them to look and feel normal again. There are probably other hand creams and nail conditioners that would also work but I am a tropic fan and had them anyway. They use natural oils in the nail nectar and I personally believe it made a big difference.

Hope this helps

Jane

Thx Jane I’ll try that. I guess I just have to be patient

Hi Cosette. I had six rounds of chemo and lost all my finger nails. I was told afterwards I should have painted them with a dark coloured nail polish. I painted my toenails black and managed to keep them all. I am 5 months post chemo and have just got my nails back. Hope this helps. Good luck. Xx

I was nervous to paint them because I wouldn’t be able to see what’s happening to them. Might have been a mistake. Glad yours have grown back. Wishing you well on your journey.

Get: Polybalm (from Amazon, expensive but worth it, it lasted me longer than they say in the description), a nail strengthener (the typical transparent one) and a good moisturiser and apply every day. Those things worked for me, there was still damage but I’d like to think not that much. The doctor also prescribed hydrocortisone cream but I’m not sure if that was for the nails or for my feet and hands in general. Maybe you could ask your doc if it could help?

If it helps: 2 months after chemo my fingernails -they had turned black at the bottom, white at the top and oddly shaped- were back to normal. Ties are still a bit of a mess but yay for funky socks! Lost a couple of nails, didn’t hurt and there’s small silly looking nails below that I’m rooting for. Hair came back fluffier 2 months after chemo too. Hang in there! 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Polybalm-Polyphenol-Remedy-Natural-Cream/dp/B085766XC2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?adgrpid=98719026173&hvadid=606285026634&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=1006886&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=7319061616796185612&hvtargid=kwd-905712176042&hydadcr=16997_2199984&keywords=polybalm&qid=1697225154&sr=8-1

not sure how to link. 

Thx Brian I’ve been using Polybalm it’s very good. I’ve been putting off calling the doc because mine hasn’t been great but I probably should. Good to know about the hair. I’m 1 month post chemo and have the fluff. I’m hoping for Chemo curls

Fluff is good :) it’ll grow back soon. I’m not sure I have chemo curls more like hair that decided to grow wild, but I’m enjoying trying a short hairstyle that I’d never dare try before. Used to have very long hair so I see it as the opportunity to try all those funky looking short styles I was scared to try. 

Ive had some communication problems too, but you could go ahead and try without stressing if possible. They might help, if they don’t you’ve lost nothing.

Some people on this forum did a ‘makeover’ feel good kinda day? Not sure where or what exactly but now that you’re done with chemo try pampering yourself along the way ️

Hi Cosette, I used Polybalm once a day on both finger and toe nails. Worked well and I didn’t loose any of my nails. They do break at the top from time to time but they haven’t lifted or anything like that. I got mine from Amazon, you get 2 tubes so you have one for fingers and one for toes to prevent any spread of infections. I didn’t start using it until I had my second cycle of docetaxel by which time I had already had 4 cycles of EC to, but it still worked well. 
Doesn’t smell bad either. 
Wishing you all the best.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

I used a nail oil through my chemo to try and keep them strong seems to have helped hopefully, some many changes to have to deal.  All the best