Does chemotherapy cause thick toenails?

No one tells them that their toenails will often fall off, turn colors, get thick, have skin attached to them, and even possibly smell. Common chemotherapy drugs (Adriamycin, Taxol, 5-Fluorouracil, just to name a few) cause damage and attack the tissue that keeps the toenail in place. This is called onycholysis.

Can chemo affect your toenails?

Chemotherapy can disrupt the growth cycles of new cells in your body. The keratin-rich cells that make up your skin and nails can be especially affected by this. Approximately 6 to 12 months after finishing treatment, your natural fingernails and toenails will start to regrow.

Does chemo make your nails hard?

Chemotherapy, especially the types with taxanes (such as Taxotere) may cause your nails to become dry, brittle and fragile. They may also discolour or develop grooves or ridges and at worst they may fall off.

Why are my toenails suddenly thick?

Toenails that grow thicker over time likely indicate a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis. Left untreated, thick toenails can become painful. Prompt treatment can be key to curing the nail fungus. Fungal infections might be difficult to cure and may require months of treatment.

Does cancer affect your toenails?

If you are in chemotherapy, you may notice your fingernails and toenails start to change. This is a common effect of many cancer treatments, along with skin changes and hair loss. Some people in cancer treatment just don't like how their changing nails look. Other times, their nails also become painful and infected.

Does a Thick Toenail Mean I Have to Treat a Fungus Infection?

Can chemo cause toenail fungus?

Several case reports have shown bacterial and fungal infections of the nail apparatus associated with chemotherapeutic treatment. Numerous additional case studies have shown chemotherapy-induced nail changes leading to secondary bacterial and fungal infections of the nail plate and surrounding soft tissue structures.

How do your nails look when you have cancer?

Dark areas near the cuticle of the nail (subungual lesions): These look like bruises under the nails, and are usually along the bottom edge of the nail, near the cuticle. These kinds of color changes can be seen in nail cancer (called melanoma) and can also be a side effect of some types of drugs used to treat cancer.

Can thickened toenails be reversed?

Thick toenails can be reversed if the underlying cause is addressed or proper preventative measures are taken. Polishing rough surfaces to make them smoother is a great way to treat thick toenails. Avoid pedicures because they may cause fungal infection to flare up when cuticles are removed.

How do I stop my toenails from thickening?

What causes thick toenails besides fungus?

Although there are many potential causes of thick nails, a fungal infection is the most likely cause in the toenails. Other conditions, such as psoriasis or diabetes, may also cause thick nails to develop. The exact cause of thick nails will help decide a person's treatment to correct the condition.

How do I keep my nails healthy during chemo?

Most important: don't cut your cuticles. Use cuticle removers. Massage cuticle cream into the cuticle area to prevent dryness, splitting, and hangnails. Wear gloves while doing chores such as washing the car or the dishes.

How long until chemo is out of your system?

It generally takes about 48 to 72 hours for your body to break down and/or get rid of most chemo drugs. But it's important to know that each chemo drug is excreted or passed through the body a bit differently.

What is the best nail polish for chemo patients?

Mavala have launched their latest collection, Haute Couture, created especially for those going through cancer treatment. The six piece collection of polishes are formulated using Silica which helps to protect nails against the side effects of chemotherapy.

What is chemo toe?

Toenails are attached to the nail bed on each toe, which provides the blood supply and nutrients needed to keep the nails healthy. Changes to the toenails can be a fairly common occurrence during chemotherapy. A common problem is onycholysis, or damage to the tissue in the nail bed that keeps toenails in place.

Is Tea Tree Oil Good for chemo nails?

Tea tree oil products may be useful for protecting the nails during chemotherapy. This can help with reducing infections, strengthening the nails, and preventing nail splitting, discoloration, and breakages.

How do they treat chemo in feet?

How does a podiatrist treat thick toenails?

A podiatrist will grind the nail at frequent intervals. In some cases, trauma to the nail is permanent and the nail may require removal under local analgesia. In such cases the nail root matrix will need to be destroyed because damaged growth cells will continue to produce a thick new toenail.

What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?

In medical terms this is called onychomycosis or tinea unguium,” says Batra. The fungal infection breaks down the keratin in the nail to form a white or yellow chalky substance under the nail plate. "As keratin debris spreads under the nail, the nail plate typically becomes lifted up off of the nail bed.

What does Vicks VapoRub do for toenails?

Vicks VapoRub

Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in the treatment of toenail fungus.

Is toenail thickening permanent?

Stubbing the end of your toenail causes trauma directed back into the nailbed, this will thicken the nail and will also eventually grow out. Dropping something heavy on the nail matrix however, where the nail grows from, can cause permanent nail thickening.

Can toenails indicate a health problem?

Your toenails tell a lot about your overall health. A fungal infection often causes thickened yellow toenails. Thick, yellow nails also can be a sign of an underlying disease, including lymphedema (swelling related to the lymphatic system), lung problems, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Can I get a pedicure while on chemo?

Experts recommend against getting a manicure or pedicure at a nail salon to manage nail uses brought on by cancer treatment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. A visit to a nail salon may expose you to others who may be sick or to an infection from unsanitary equipment.

Can you sit in the sun when having chemotherapy?

Certain chemotherapies are known to increase the damage the sun's rays can do to your skin. During chemotherapy, it is best to avoid direct exposure to the sun as much as you can to avoid burning of the skin.

What are the side effects of taxol chemotherapy?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, muscle/joint pain, numbness/tingling/burning of the hands/feet, flushing, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly. Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.

Do ice caps work for chemo?

Cold caps and scalp cooling systems work by narrowing the blood vessels beneath the skin of the scalp, which reduces the amount of chemotherapy medicine that reaches the hair follicles. With less chemotherapy medicine in the follicles, the hair may be less likely to fall out.