Just finished six Docetaxel, all usual side effects, no surprises there, but have no idea what to do about these DISGUSTING fingernails! Have already lost one completely, have about five more about to go, they are all really infected, various shades of black, white and yellow, lifting off the nail beds, they actually smell AWFUL! Has anyone had antibiotic treatment for this? Where the one has fallen off, the skin below is black and gruesome looking
In the grand scheme of things with secondaries it may soud like a trivial worry but it’s so horrible for others to look at and just wondered how anyone has been treated for this and how long it takes to recover
Think if they smell bad you need some treatment Lesley.
Iv had 5 of 6 tax and carbo and my nails started coming off on wed… I have three complete nails and the rest are in various s tags of disappearing… No black just yellow and look like I’m a smoker which I’m not and theyre pretty tender… Try to wash them frequently with antibacterial hand wash and keep them protected as best you can… I have small plasters I put over at bed time so i don’t catch them when im asleep… And my mum has given me some fine gloves but find them irritating.
Also using moisuriser to help to prevent cracks and minimise risk of infection.
Thanks for the advice Lulu, have lost large chunks of several more now, sounds as if we’re in the same boat but they don’t look quite so horrible now they’ve actually come off. Off to the GP this morning though as there are still a couple which look infected so think I will need some antibiotics of some description.
The same thing happened to me on tax with my finger nails (4 years ago) I’m now on Xeloda (cycle 7). On cycle 2 my big toe looked like it was infected so GP have me 10days antibiotics.
While on tax the local chemist advised soaking in warm salt water, this week mine other big toe was very sore and was bleeding with pus at the side, I’ve soaked my feet in salt water for 2 days and my toe is loads better. I go to the chiropodist every 2 weeks (because I’ve had toe problems from cycle 2) but 2 days ago the thought of anyone touching my toe made me feel sick, I’m now ready for my appointment tomorrow.
Hi Sue, that all sounds as though it’s been pretty horrendous! I will try the soaking in salt water method though, sounds as though that’s worked for you. My toes seem to be ok at the moment, it’s just my fingernails. Have got a week’s antibiotics from the GP this morning and told not to stick plasters on my fingers - I can see the sense and logic in that but I just feel so sorry for other people who have to look at my disgusting fingers! Need to find some thin cotton gloves I think - but like Lulu, think I may find them irritating as I don’t like gloves at the best of times.
Obviously if they are infected LesleyLP then you need to get them cleared up. I have been lucky as far as my nails are concerned according to my chiropodist as they have stuck with me through my 3 docetaxels (which is more than can be said of my eyelashes and eyebrows!) A chiropodist should also be able to advise anyone on how best to care for your nails.
I am now 4 months post-chemo but my finger nails are still yellow and discoloured at the top ends and I have been recommended to keep my nails short and continue applying nail strengthener to them. Your nails form well below the nail bed where we can’t see and it does take a long time before they will grow back undamaged.
For anyone still on docetaxel or about to start it make sure that you apply the nail strengthener NOW and keep it up.
Glad you got some ABs hope the infection clears up soon.
My fingers and toes are very sore… My toes get sore from the downie touching them in bed but they still appear intact and got my dark green nail polish on them even though it didn’t help the finger nails much. Mines dint look infected at all they look really healthy if there was just more of them lol.
Hope you can find something to help protect them… What about cotton socks? Natural fibres and a bit more space to wiggle your fingers than in gloves. Not very useful if your working with your hands but in bed it might help stop them getting caught… Or maybe the district nurse can give you some thing. Like tubigrip to put over the ends of your fingers.
Take care xx