Chemotherapy and your nails and swelling. Skin infections (paronychia) around

Fact Sheet
Chemotherapy and your nails
Nails are prone to problems as a result of anticancer treatments. In fact, it is the second most
important unanticipated side effect reported by
patients. Nail problems can occur more often with
certain types of medicines, especially taxane
chemotherapies (paclitaxel and docetaxel) and
many of the new biological treatments.
Some of these side effects are a nuisance or affect
the cosmetic appearance of the nail whereas
others can be more severe and require treatment.
Often daily activities are affected and many people
say their quality of life is impacted. Nail changes
are usually temporary and may improve after
treatment is finished. However, because nails grow
slowly, it may take months for them to return to
normal. So it is ideal to prevent problems before
they happen or as soon as they arise.
An essential guide to looking after
your nails during chemotherapy
When nail folds are affected there is pain, redness
and swelling. Skin infections (paronychia) around
or under the nail can also occur. Sometimes, nail
infections are first noticed when the skin around the
nails becomes red and swells due to excess fluid.
These infections can cause the affected nail to
become sore and tender, making it difficult to to
perform daily activities. Be sure to inform your
healthcare team at the first signs of problems.
In most people, nail changes caused by anti-cancer
therapies begin within two or three months of
starting treatment and improve within a few months
afterwards. If you experience nail changes, it’s
important to remember that they are a temporary,
reversible reaction to your cancer treatment.
Generally the nail goes back to normal.
How anti-cancer treatments affect nails
Part of nail affected
Result
Nail matrix
Grooves, ridges, white lines and
brittle nails
Nail bed
Brown or white discolouration, lifting
or loss and infections (paronychia)
Folds or cuticles
Inflammation, infections, separation
and pain
Which anti-cancer medications may cause most
nail problems?
How nails are affected by treatments
The type of nail changes depend on the medicine
that is given and the duration of treatment. Some
changes are mild and only affect the appearance of
the nail while others can cause discomfort or pain.
Nail brittleness is the most common side effect that
can be caused by any chemotherapy or after stem
cell transplants.
If the nail matrix (see illustration above) is affected
nails will be brittle and have grooves, ridges or
discolouration which can be white or dark. Nail bed
problems result in pain under the nail; red, purple,
or green discolouration, with separation or lifting of
the nail; and possibly even infections.
Did you know: nail changes are the
second most important unanticipated side
effect reported by cancer survivors
Although any chemotherapy can affect the nails,
some of the biological therapies (cetuximab,
erlotinib, lapatinib, panitumumab) as well as some
conventional chemotherapies (paclitaxel and
docetaxel) tend to cause more side effects in the
nails. Studies show that about 80 percent of people
taking docetaxel suffered from nail changes, with
up to 30% having tenderness or infections that
limited their daily activities.
Tips for looking after your nails
During and after your treatment, caring for your
nails is very important. By following the tips below,
you can reduce the impact of treatment on your
nails.
• Use clear nail polish to strengthen the nail and
avoid nail products with harmful chemicals (like
toluene or formaldehyde)
For more information about the side effects of chemo and radiotherapy visit www.mosaiclife.co.uk"
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•
Dark nail polish can help if nails are discoloured.
Try to use water based polishes, as they contain
less harmful chemicals
•
Increase intake of dietary iron and reduce
caffeine. Be sure to talk to your doctor before
taking over-the-counter supplements or
medications as these can interfere with cancer
treatment
•
Avoid harsh soaps and detergents
•
Wear cotton socks to help absorb dampness
which may avoid fungal nail infections and
athlete's foot
How do I know if my nails are infected?
Signs of infection include redness, swelling and
pain around the nails, sometimes with a discharge
of foul-smelling fluid. About 30 to 50 percent of
patients who receive treatments such as
cetuximab, docetaxel, erlotinib, lapatinib, paclitaxel
or panitumumab develop a skin infection around
the nails, called paronychia. This infection usually
begins two or three months after the start of
treatment but can occur as late as 6 months
afterward. Any fingernail or toenail can be affected
and the infection needs to be treated, even if
chemotherapy has finished.
Although nail problems may be temporary, many patients who do suffer discomfort and restrictions to daily
activities prefer to take action to prevent or treat their nail problems. There are now two new treatments
available for nail problems called OnicoLife drops and OnicoLife gel. Recent studies show that patients
experience complete relief of symptoms and pain within 30 days1. OnicoLife may help you too.
How OnicoLife works
Key to the effectiveness of OnicoLife is the fatty acid amide, Adelmidrol® which controls mast cell re-activity.
Mast cells are immune cells which line the surfaces of the body including the skin. They play a significant role
in causing inflammation and also in the wound healing process. By controlling the mast cells OnicoLife
restores the capability of the skin and nails to respond to and repair the damage caused by chemotherapy.
OnicoLife also contains many other constituents which support wound healing and the body’s natural antibacterial and anti-fungal action.
OnicoLife Drops are for the
treatment of tender and fragile nails
for patients undergoing chemo or
radiotherapy
OnicoLife Gel is for the
treatment of paronychia, a
skin infection around the
nails
OnicoLife may also be useful for
longitudinal nail ridges, split nails,
yellowed nails and blackened nails
What others are saying about OnicoLife
"The gel and drops are amazing. My nails were hideous, totally shattered and every time I touched anything another bit of nail fell off. It felt as if my nails were exploding to pieces because of the chemotherapy. Since using OnicoLife every day for four weeks, the results have been really impressive. My nails look really healthy and the nail beds are shiny. I would happily show them off to anyone." PC, Wheathampstead, Herts
Where can I get OnicoLife Drops and Gel?
If you would like to know more about OnicoLife talk to your healthcare team. (As OnicoLife is a new treatment in
the UK, some healthcare teams may not be familiar with OnicoLife so please take this patient information sheet
with you).
You can also buy OnicoLife on-line from the Mosaic Life website at www.mosaiclife.co.uk or ask your local
pharmacist.
1De
Marino E et al, Biological drugs: new challenge, new side effects on nails and skin appendages, Center for Oncology, University of
Insubria, Ospedale di Circolo, Varese, Italy. Data on File
For more information about the side effects of chemo and radiotherapy visit www.mosaiclife.co.uk"
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