Tip for dry, cracked hands and weak fingernails

imisswine

I lurked these boards a bit during my treatment, think this is my first time starting a thread in the hope it helps some of you.

Like most I've had issues with the TCHP side effects, weak nails and dry cracked skin for sure. Had to load every purse, wallet with band-aids for when my thumbs would split open, bleed. I finished chemo in October, will be done w/ the Herceptin in May and kinda on a nail kick now that I can be ;-). Anyway two finds:

One salon introduced me to a spa brand of skin oil that was amazing at healing the cracked hands, making them feel soft and smooth and not greasy. It's $$$ but you can find it for a bit less on eBay. It's Elemis Japanese camellia and IIRC almond oil.

The other thing I've fell in love with is a base/top coat from Seche Vite. You can find it in many beauty supply, Amazon, etc. The thumb and fore finger nails are still weaker, but it does dry to a hard finish, so it helps keep them from splitting and peeling even worse.

FWIW Like I said, maybe this helps a few people. Good luck!

voraciousreader

i have an inflammation issue with my fingers and toes. At night, I lube up my fingers and toes with vaseline and sleep with gloves and socks. I also take Biotin. When I bleed, I use Liquid Bandage instead of band aids.

I also use Gloves in a Bottle. Hands down! The best lotion!

Meow13

Thanks for the tips, I am having nail weakening not sure what it is from.

Moderators

Thanks for the tips, ladies!! More info on Chemotherapy and Your Nails in the main Breastcancer.org site.

Hope this helps!

The mods