Nails - Side effect to cancer treatment - Aarhus Universitetshospital

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

Brittle and frayed nails should be kept very short. Consider seeing a chiropodist.

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

Avoid artificial nails

You may consider using cotton gloves under the rubber gloves for comfort.

Consider wearing open sandals if your nails are affected.

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

The moisturiser should have a fat content of at least 30 %.

Before going to bed: Apply a thick layer of cream on hands and feet before putting on cotton gloves and socks.

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:

See contact information on our web site

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Nails - Side effect to cancer treatment

Nails - Side effect to cancer treatment

What you can do

Keep nails on hands and feet short and clean

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

Avoid artificial nails

Use rubber gloves when doing ”wet” chores (cleaning, washing up etc.)

Avoid illfitting foot wear

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

Moisturise your hands and feet with a rich perfume-free cream or lotion twice a day

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

Contact