Some cancer treatments can cause upsetting changes to the nails on your hands and feet.

You may notice your nails becoming discolored and grooved.  Sometimes the nails become separated from the nail bed and care must be taken against wrenching the nail away from its remaining connection to the nail bed.  In the case of the chemo agent taxotere, the nails will fall off.  All patients who receive total skin electron beam (TSEB) radiation treatment will also lose their nails

These effects usually begin anywhere from 5 to 10 weeks after chemotherapy begins.

Changes are usually temporary and will go away after chemo or radiation treatments ceases and as new nail is grown.  Many times the new nail grows under the discolored, ridged or separating nail. The new nail may be thinner than your existing nail

What you can do to lessen the discomfort:

Wash your hands frequently to avoid infections in newly exposed or cracked areas of skin.

Keep your nails closely filed.  

Nail polish is OK but nail polish remover can make the nails more brittle. When using a nail-polish remover, use it sparingly.

Don't use fake nails.  The adhesive used with fake nails can damage the skin and nail bed. 

Use protective gloves when your nails might be exposed to harsh chemicals.

This page was last edited on 06/19/2003
Written by Rachael Myers Lowe, cancerpage.com
Reviewed by Katie Mullaly, RN, MSN and Jane Quigley, RN, BSN