CHEMOTHERAPY AND YOUR NAIL

चेमोठेराप्य एंड यौर नील

Nails and hair are of the same nature. Chemotherapy that usually results in falling of hair affects the nails also. Extra care for nails is a must for the patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy may cause appearance of lines on the nails of the patients. Appearance of line always relates to the cycle of chemotherapy. These lines will disappear along with the natural growth of the nail. In some patients multiple lines can be seen as an after effect of chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy may even cause pigmentation on nail. Discolouration of nails also is a side effect of chemotherapy. Nails may even show a tendency to brittle and the growth of nails may not be the same as in a normal person.

Take extra care of the areas around the nails and cuticles. The areas around the nails may become extremely dry and the cuticles in a loosened state. Never attempt to pull out the cuticle as it may result in serious complications. To remove the loosened parts of cuticles use a sharp, clean nail scissor.

As a result of chemotherapy, your nails may sometimes completely come out of the nail bed. Like hair, nails also will grow back in due course of time. Till your nails grow back, you will have to take extra care of the exposed part of the nail tips as these areas are highly vulnerable to infections. You have to keep this area clean to avoid infections. Keeping nails short and neatly trimmed will help you to avoid the chances for infections. Shortly trimmed nails are less prone to infections

While you clean your nails and hands, if possible, use cuticle removal creams or lotions to remove cuticles. After applying these creams you can gently push off the cuticles with the help of an orange wood stick.
You have to drop the habit of nail biting especially while undergoing chemotherapy. To avoid unconscious attempt to do so keep your nails wrapped under a piece of clean cotton cloth.

Massaging your hands and nails using a moisturizer will help you to avoid the irritation that may cause due to dryness arising out of chemotherapy.

Wear gloves while doing house hold works especially while using detergents or doing activities like dish washing as excessive contact with water may invite bacterial infections. While undergoing chemotherapy, your nails may not be able to withstand a bacterial infection.

Nail moisturizers are good to keep your nails without too much drying. You can use nail polish to protect your nails. Take care to avoid acetone based nail polish removers to avoid further drying up of the skin around the nail.
It is not safe to use artificial nails while you are under going chemotherapy. Acrylic and other artificial nails may aid in accumulation of infectious bacteria under nail.

Bring your own tools while you are approaching a beautician for manicure to avoid the complications of infections, how ever clean your beauty salon is.

Finally, never fail to see your doctor soon after you detect any sign of inflammation or infection on your nails. Failing to do this may lead you to incurable complications as the body will be weak with poor immunity after chemotherapy.