Nail care
Written by Kendall Preston. She is an undergraduate student at UNCW, and is a Public Health intern at Going Beyond the Pink. *Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.
It is no surprise that with chemotherapy your body goes through a lot of changes. These changes include your skin, hair, and even nails. This is such a small part of your body but can have such a big impact on how you feel day-to-day.
When going through chemotherapy, there are many effects on the nails.
Nails become darker and take on more of a bruised look.
Nails become thin, dry, and brittle.
Cuticles fray and rip.
Lines and indentations may develop on the nails during different cycles of chemotherapy.
More susceptible to ingrown nails, and potential loss of nails.
A weakened immune system can lead to more infections and it is easy for the nails to become infected since we use our hands all day long
Often, this happens because chemotherapy targets cells that divide quickly but it can’t differentiate between healthy cells that divide quickly, like skin, hair, nail, and taste bud cells, and cancerous cells.
Here are some tips on how to take care of your nails to combat these things during treatment and on into survivorship.
If you’re undergoing treatment- avoid artificial nails.
If you want to have your nails done during this time, wear regular polish! It can protect your nails from the environment and keep them strong. Artificial nails have chemicals and can destroy your nail even further.
Don’t cut your cuticles
Instead, use cuticle removers. Cutting can lead to infection, and that is the last thing your body needs when your immune system is weakened from treatment.
Are your cuticles/nails feeling dry or weak?
Use cuticle cream and take off your polish with an oily remover.
Wear protective gloves when doing housework or gardening.
If bacteria get into your dry or broken nails, it can also lead to infection.
Limit your time in the water
Water exposure for too long can lead to fungal infections within the nail bed.
Products we recommend
Ask your doctor before adding any new products to your body.
If your fingernails are peeling or sensitive we recommend using this on your nails to protect them.
This opi polish is for more dry and brittle nails, if you need an extra boost we recommend using this!
Easy to apply cuticle cream with amazing reviews begins to work in just a few days.
This is a supplement so be sure to check with your doctor before you take it. It strengthens your hair nails and skin!