Nails - Side effect to cancer treatment

Chemotherapy can cause change to the nails and the surrounding skin on your hands and feet, typically starting 4-8 weeks after you've commenced treatment.

You may experience some of the following changes:

  • Nail growth may slow down
  • Nails may split or become frayed
  • Nails may become thicker, stripy or discoloured
  • Nails may loosen
  • The skin around the nails and nail roots may swell and become sore, red and warm - particularly on the thumb and big toe
  • The skin around the nails may crack with ensuing fungus or bacterial infection

What you can do

Do not bite your nails and do not push your cuticles back

Avoid artificial nails

Avoid soaking hands or feet in soapy water, as this may dry out your skin

Talk to your doctor if you experience cracks in the skin surrounding your nails

Contact

In case of any questions. Please contact the Oncology Department. Telephone number are on your contact card., or go to:

www.kraeftafdelingen.auh.dk

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