hi some where i have read your nails get weak, could split and in some cases come off while having chemo. the advice was to keep nail varnish on and darker the better. please can anyone tell me if its true or am i dreaming. if it is recommended any idea why. my onc hasn’t told me anything about anything that i am picking up on here thanks everyone. oh in case it helps i will have fec chemo.
x Julie x
Not something I have neard of- but it might help to have a nail hardener- don’t think the colour can make any difference at all though. My nails got lots of white flecks in them and ridges- they are still really soft though I am on herceptin now. My nails did not come off or anything close to it and I had pretty bad sickness etc.
Hi Julie
I was told that during chemo some of the chemicals can build up in your nails and some of these chemicals are reactive to UV light. This can cause your nails to be brittle, discoloured and worst case, fall off.
So by painting your nails dark or opaque colours it stops the UV light and can stop this side effect. I Started off with dark purple, but got bored of it. Currently sporting bright blue and orange, alternating of course.
Just another opportunity for me to be a bit silly :o)
Dark nail varnish is advised for Taxotere chemo as it is very sensitive to light (this is why it is covered with a bag when being administered).
I had 4xfec and 4x taxotere and while my finger nails did discolour and become very sensitive on the taxotere I didn’t loose any (only a toe nail about 2 months after finishing), when the chemo nurses told me of the effects I used it as an excuse to treat myself on the Dior counter.
Debbie
My chemo nurse advised that i wore dark nail varnish. It didn’t stop me losing my nails though.
Kelley
I used nail varnish throughout my taxotere treatment (8 sessions) and my nails stayed fine. In fact, they were in better condition at the end of my treatment than they usually are - I think because I’m a keen gardener and am normally constantly breaking them but while on tax I was advised to wear gloves to protect against infection.
best of luck
Manon
good morning all.
oh that’s what we used to have to say in assembly when i was at school. no i am not going mad as all your replies confirm there is something about nail varnish i wasn’t dreaming. i shall have to find out what sort of chemo i am having as it seems you have 3 fec and 3 something else. thanks again
Julie x
I bought some black varnish to protect my nails while I was on Taxotere but it looked really awful on me so I used Rimmel Nail Rescue (transparent) which helped quite a lot.
Good luck
Anthi x
Hi I saw this thread so asked my onc what he thought as I start Taxotere soon, he thought it was not helpful because it attacks the nailbed itself which is the fast growing cells of the nails, therefore by painting the nail would be of no benefit of all as these are dead cells aready.
Hope this helps
Linda
X
…yeah but it’s still more fun to have an excuse to paint your nails lovely colours, however tenuous.
Hi, I have also been told by the chemo nurses to keep dark nail varnish on whilst have the Tax as UV light can cause nail issues, not started the Tax yet still one FEC to go but already using Avon Nutri-boost with a very dark red over the top, its bad enough losing the hair let alone nails as well, going to do what I can to keep them. The nurses also advised that sunglasses always be worn in bright sunshine for the same reason, anyone else been told this
Sandra
x
I was advised to wear dark nail varnish on fingers and toes during chemo esecially on taxotere.I did and although I lost my big toe nails the rest were fine apart from some ridges.I think its worth it.horacex
I was advised to paint my nails with clear nail varnish during my treatment with Taxotere, which I finished in January. Whilst my nails did become soft and brittle, this did work as I didn’t lose any of my nails.
Good luck.
Jeanie.