How to Care for your Nails During Chemotherapy: Best treatment for chemo nails

Written By Lotte May
Founder of Comfort Crate & Cancer Advocate

Chemotherapy often brings changes to nail health, commonly referred to as chemo nails. These side effects can range from brittleness and discolouration to more severe issues like nail separation or loss. While these changes are challenging, proactive strategies can protect your nail bed and encourage healthier regrowth during and after treatment.

The Science of Chemo Nails: Understanding Onycholysis

The cells in your nail matrix are among the fastest-dividing cells in the body, which unfortunately makes them a target for chemotherapy. This can lead to Onycholysis, the painless separation of the nail from the nail bed. By understanding that this is a result of the treatment's impact on cell production, you can use targeted care to minimise the collateral damage to your hands and feet.

Top Strategies for Nail Well-being

Monitoring your nails for changes in colour, texture, or strength is your first line of defence. If you notice signs of infection or significant lifting, consult your oncology team. To safeguard your nails daily, follow these steps:

• Intensive Moisturising: Chemotherapy strips the nails of natural oils. Use fragrance-free moisturisers or natural cuticle oils several times a day, especially after washing your hands, to keep the nail plate flexible.
• Gentle Grooming: Keep nails short and neatly trimmed to prevent snagging. Always file in a single direction rather than a seesaw motion to avoid fraying the delicate nail layers.
• Chemical Awareness: Avoid harsh chemicals like acetone. Opt for non-toxic, 5-free or 10-free nail polishes that exclude formaldehyde and toluene.

Nutrition for Nail Strength

Your dietary choices provide the building blocks for nail repair. Focus on foods rich in Biotin (eggs and almonds), Vitamin E (spinach and sunflower seeds), and Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon and flaxseeds). These nutrients support the keratin structure of the nail. Always check with your doctor before starting new supplements to ensure they do not interfere with your specific treatment protocol.

How to Protect Your Nails Daily

• Wear Protection: Always wear gloves during household chores or gardening. Prolonged exposure to water and detergents can weaken the nail's adhesive bond to the finger.
• Avoid Artificial Nails: It is highly recommended to avoid acrylics or gels during treatment. The adhesives can further damage the nail surface, and the gap between the artificial and natural nail can trap bacteria, increasing your risk of infection while your immune system is low.
• Natural Remedies: Jojoba, almond, and coconut oils are excellent chemical-free options. Massaging these into the nail bed increases circulation, which can help deliver more nutrients to the growing nail.

Further Reading and Support:

• Cancer Research UK | Chemo Nails: A Guide to Prevention – More deep-dive tips on preventing nail loss.
• Maggie's Chemo Nail Side Effect Guide – Looks at each cancer treatment and tells you how that treatment will effect the nails. 

About the Author: Lotte May is a stage 4B Hodgkin Lymphoma survivor and founder of Comfort Crate. She uses her background to research to provide patients with practical evidence-based tools for side effect management. Read more about her mission.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for support and guidance only. It does not replace the advice of your medical team.