Question about nails, both hands and feet..Please help...

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Gubbyann
Gubbyann Member Posts: 34
edited June 2014 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

Hi, I was wondering if anyone else has had the same problem as me and what they did about it...If you can do anything about it...Half way through chemo, ( I am done 6 weeks now ) the nails on my hands and feet starting turning colors...First light brown, then dark brown, until they turned black, then started to fade, eventually back to my regular nail color, but only a few so far...I still have some that are still black but fading slowly...The problem is, is that once in a while they bleed from underneath...some of them will fall off, I know because they are weak, and already move...They also hurt, but tolerable...I was wondering if that black underneath my nails is accumilated blood, because when they bleed a little, the black seems to fade...Could be my imagination, I don't know...My onc told me to soak them in epson salts..I also was reading on of these threads that Biotin is good, so I started taking that...So if any of you brave souls out there know anything about this I would appreciate any help you can give...Oh, I am going to see a foot doctor soon...You all take care, hang in there and God Bless 

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited January 2014

    Gubbyann, are you icing your nails during your chemo infusions?  That's really important, to prevent the chemo from circulating to your nailbeds, where it's doubtful you need it.   You can use ice packs or something as handy as a package of frozen peas or corn will work.  You can also use wig tape, which is very delicate to remove, to hold your nails on and try to prevent them from lifting.  

    So sorry this has happened to you, but icing is the best prevention I know of, and hopefully starting it now -- as long as your onc doesn't object -- will cut down on any additional damage.   (((Hugs)))  Deanna

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  • jajjaaj
    jajjaaj Member Posts: 60
    edited January 2014

    My nail beds have turned black and are sore and achy, but haven't sustained any nail loss as yet. I do put Tea Tree Oil on my nails on a daily basis, but not sure that is what keeps my nails intact. I was using it more because they seemed dry and brittle, as well, big ridges were showing up.

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  • ladyboss1997
    ladyboss1997 Member Posts: 202
    edited January 2014

    I used Tee Tree Oil daily, Biotin daily, and. painted NailTek on them daily. They changed colors at times, but it took care of the brittleness and they never fell off. Post chemo they are healthier than ever.   

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  • jajjaaj
    jajjaaj Member Posts: 60
    edited January 2014

    Ladyboss, After you mentioned Biotin, I did a little research on it. Thanks for mentioning it, great information. Looks like I will be adding this to my diet.

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  • ladyboss1997
    ladyboss1997 Member Posts: 202
    edited January 2014

    I still take the Biotin daily and use the NailTek monthly. When I finished chemo I began using Ovation Therapy for my hair. That was 2 years ago in October 2011. I still use Ovation, and my hair is thicker than it has ever been.    

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  • jajjaaj
    jajjaaj Member Posts: 60
    edited January 2014

    Ladyboss, I was worried about that too. Keeping Ovation in mind when the hair makes an appearance. :)

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  • christina0001
    christina0001 Member Posts: 1,491
    edited January 2014

    I have no advice, but I went through the same thing without the bleeding. My onc was sure I would lose all my nails, but I did not lose a single one. Eventually they all grew out and now (a year and a half post final chemo) they are completely normal, and have been for quite some time. Hang in there, this too shall pass.

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