Polybalm alternative for nails

Going through breast cancer treatment Chemotherapy monthly threads
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Hi, has anyone had any success for their nails with anything other than polybalm? As in a treatment not a dark nail polish? Polybalms so expensive and with buying wigs, changing to healthier alternatives for cleaning products, new boobs, new bras, buying chemo related stuff etc.. this cancers costing a fortune!!! If there’s nothing as good I will have to pay it but would rather save a few pennies

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I will admit my nails etc have been pretty good, aka the best I have known them, using Zerobase daily. I get that on prescription as my skin is prone to excema flares and becoming very dry on a good day but I think you can buy it from a pharmacy. Might be worth looking at aveeno for very dry skin as an alternative and maybe asking your chemotheraphy nurses for advice. Occasionally they might have samples they can give out that you could try.

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I used Polybalm and found it very effective. It is expensive but the tubes last well. I think I needed 2 packs of 2 to get through treatment.

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I’ve done EC-T and just treated my nails with Jojoba oil. Bought some of those little brush pens to make it easy to apply. I might just be lucky, but they’ve been fine.

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I used Hard as Hoof cream (Amazon) and it worked brilliantly for me. It was recommended on a different chemo-related forum by an American woman; I’d not heard of it before. I’m now 3 years post-chemo and my nails still sometimes become weirdly dry, but the cream works wonders, even now. It smells great too!

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Hiya @loopylea … I have used Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil on my fingernails and toenails morning & evening, every day … I’ve just completed 12-weeks of Paclitaxel /Carboplatin/ Pembrolizumab - and - I’ve had no issues so far …

I move onto EC / Pembrolizumab next week until August and will continue with this oil and hopefully, continue to have no issues … but I am hyper aware that every single person is different and sometimes it’s nothing to do with what product(s) you use, it’s how your body reacts :two_hearts:

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Thanks will have a look at that one

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I suppose you’re right, everyone reacts differently.. I have a feeling my nails will act up as I have psoriasis in my toe nails already which slightly lifts them at the top so not looking forward to chemo doing the same on already precious toe nails .

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I did the Look Good Feel Better course on nail care, the therapist suggested a good quality balm as it stays on the nail better than oil. If you do the course you can receive a hoody bag of products. I used Oriflame balm Natural Multi-purpose Balm | Tender Care by Oriflame . It is available on Amazon and EBay ( where I bought mine).

I have since used Dr Paw Paw multi purpose balms for a variety of dry and sore skin.

Vicks Vaporub was great for red and inflamed nail bed and cuticles. The Ingredients can calm infections.

This wonderful charity can help with new and good quality used products https://prelovedreloved.org.uk/

:smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

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I agree.. polybalm is expensive!

I had chemotherapy for 18 weeks (EC then Paclitaxel).

I used a nail cuticle cream from Cancer Pal, plus soaked my nails in olive oil each week. You could also try asking at your local Boots store for nail advice.

Also, eat as well as you can - fruit and veg, lots of water etc. I didn’t have any trouble with my nails but was maybe lucky.

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Somewhere I read that using cold gloves or ice packs during chemo ( like the cold cap) helps reduce issues with nails. I was given a dark nail polish in a pre- chemo gift bag and had no idea why, so never used it. I thought ‘what a dark and miserable colour polish for someone who is going through cancer’ :rofl: clearly I’m a twit. Anyway- having used nothing at all, my nails became fragile and broke a lot but were otherwise totally fine. It took exactly a year after for me to be able to grow them long again, but they are back. A little dry but stronger than before. My chemo was Docetaxol and Carboplatin. Hope everything goes really well for you and lots of love.

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Thanks shady.. how did you get on with the regime? I’ve heard some say doxcetaxel & carboplatin is worse than Red Devil but I’m not sure?? How many cycles did you have??im due for 6 cycles and bit nervous :grimacing:

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Thank you, I could ask in boots, never thought to ask to be fair.. :roll_eyes:

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Thank you for advice :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

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Hi. Try not to worry too much. I did and it didn’t help anything. It’s defo not as severe as the ‘Red One’. They give you multiple meds to counteract the chemo side effects and have many, many more up their sleeves if needed. Be vocal and tell them everything that’s worrying you. I kept a diary of symptoms so I knew what to expect each month. That really helped. Chemo nurses were angels and I met lovely other patients to talk to whilst being infused. It was calming to realise the nurses do this every day and are experts and supremely helpful and supportive.

I never felt sick or was sick. Bowel habits went both ways. Odd skin rashes. Worst thing was food tastes bizarre. Oh and I got a stye in my eye every cycle! Everyone is different. Felt a bit like a crappy hangover to be honest. Steroids made me panicky but they gave me other meds to counteract that.
Honestly, it’s not the greatest experience and it was exhausting. But I absolutely promise you that it is very doable and it will pass. I’m so sorry you have to go through all this, but you will come out the other side.
Sending an enormous hug.

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I also had 6 cycles.

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I agree that polybalm works brilliantly. I’ve just finished 4 x EC and 4 x paclitaxel and my nails and cuticles are fine. In fact they’re probably in better condition than pre treatment! Of all the things I’ve thrown money at this is definitely the product that has worked for me and I’d recommend

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The main ingredients in polybalm are:

  • Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil

  • Organic beeswax

  • Unrefined cocoa butter

  • Shea butter

So any kind of beeswax type balm or natural balm would work just as good. Ive been using that, plus PawPaw balm and castor oil. Massaging them atleast once a day, every day. They literally suck it up the castor oil so they must need it. So far my nails are doing well, 4x EC done and 2x paclitaxel

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And dont forget your toenails :slight_smile:

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Ordered!! Thanks

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