Nail Issues from Chemo

Common Nail Issues (Paronychia)

Paronychia is a skin infection around the nails that is a common side effect of some types of chemotherapy. The main symptom is a painful, red, swollen area around the nail, often at the cuticle.

While you undergo chemotherapy, your nails will grow more slowly. They may also develop patchy spots or streaks and become darker. Nail changes occur in 10% to 15% of patients and typically appear 4 to 8 weeks from the start of chemotherapy. Discolorations and vertical or horizontal bands on the nail will eventually grow out as new nail is formed. Paronychia symptoms can range from mildly tender to very painful.

Paronychia is often associated with the following: Taxanes, paclitaxel, docetaxel, Anthracyclines, doxorubicin & epirubicin.

Alternate & Related Terms: Nain infection, nail fold infection, fingernail infection, nail fold inflammation, Staphylococcus aureus

Nail Care & Management

• Keep nails and cuticles moisturized and protected with emollient creams and/or protective ointment to prevent cracking.
• Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight.
• Soak hands or feet in an antiseptic bath (fill a bucket of water with ¼ cup bleach) or use an antibiotic cream.
• Wear protective gloves while gardening or washing dishes or doing household chores.
• If pyogenic granuloma occurs, see your doctor.
• Avoid wearing nail wraps or acrylic nails; these materials can trap bacteria that may cause an infection.
• Clip nails short to keep them from chipping and breaking and keep them moisturized.
• Avoid wearing nail polish; however, if you wish to hide nail discoloration or imperfections, use only a light-colored nail polish.
• Use only a non-acetone-based nail polish remover to remove nail polish.
• Push cuticles back rather than cutting them.
• If you visit a professional manicurist, bring your own implements to prevent picking up an infection from improperly disinfected implements used.
• Practice good foot hygiene: trim your toenails, use softening lotions and check for any problems such as athlete’s foot or signs of fungal growth.

Nail & Hand Solutions & Regimens

Good regimens for Nail issues focus on keeping the nail beds and cuticles moist & avoiding cracks.For nearly a decade, Lindi Skin users have relied on the following Solutions:

Most Popular Item: Lip Balm

Most Popular Combination: Lip & Soothing Balm Bundle (Face Wash + Eye Hydrator)

Continue to: ALL HAND & NAIL SOLUTIONS

NOTE: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information provided in this Web site about skin reactions and other medical conditions is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for professional medical advice.