Nail and Skin Care

During cancer treatment, you may notice changes in your skin and/or nails. These changes depend on the type and dose of treatment you are receiving.

What nail and skin changes can happen during cancer treatment?

Radiation therapy: Redness, peeling, thin or fragile skin, and being more sensitive to sunlight. Radiation does not often cause nail changes, unless that area is in the treatment field.

Chemotherapy: Changes in skin tone or pigmentation (color), very dry skin, rashes, redness, peeling, and being more sensitive to sunlight. Your fingernails and toenails may become discolored, weak, break, lift off, or develop ridges (which will grow out over time). For most people, the nail changes will be short-term and will go back to normal after some time. It may take about 6 months after treatment is stopped for your nails to go back to normal.

Tell your provider as soon as you notice any changes in your nails or skin.  You may need a lower dose of chemotherapy or radiation.

Caring for Your Skin

• Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap.
• Use your normal deodorant. If a product starts to bother or irritate your skin, stop using it and try another brand. A "non-allergenic" options might help.
• Use an electric razor for shaving to avoid cuts.
• Avoid tight clothing or irritating fabrics, like wool, that may rub your skin.
• Protect your skin from sunlight. Use SPF 30 or higher, even on overcast days. Wear a hat and long-sleeved clothing to cover exposed skin and/or carry an umbrella when out during peak sun hours.
• Protect your skin from extreme cold or heat.

Dry skin is a common side effect. Tips for dealing with dry skin are to:

• Use an emollient, which is a type of cream that softens skin and moisturizes. Creams tend to be more effective than lotions. Some examples are Eucerin®, Aquaphor®, Nivea®, and Cetaphil®.
• Avoid perfumed or scented lotions, as these can be irritating.
• Moisturize your skin after your shower or bath when the skin is still damp.
• Moisturize your lips! Try an eye or face cream to moisten the sensitive skin on your face.
• Drink 8 to 10 glasses of non-alcoholic fluid a day.

Dealing With Nail Changes

• Avoid cutting cuticles because it can cause an infection. Use a cuticle cream instead. If you need to cut your cuticle, be sure to clean the clipper before using it.
• Artificial (fake) fingernails can hold bacteria and cause infections, so you should not use them.
• Nails absorb water and expand, then contract as they dry out. The more they expand and contract, the weaker they become, so wear gloves to protect your nails when doing housework or gardening.
• Keep your hands moisturized and your nails cut short.
• You may want to use nail polish to give your nails extra strength and cover imperfections.
• Soaking your nails in or massaging the nail with oil, such as vegetable or olive, helps replace moisture lost from water exposure. These natural oils lack the alcohol-containing fragrance often found in commercial nail products.
• If your nails break or lift off, try to keep them clean and protected. Covering the nail with a band-aid can protect it from breaking or pulling. Clean with soap and warm water and apply an antibiotic ointment twice a day.
• If the nail or nail bed seems infected (redness, swelling, warm to the touch), call your provider right away.

If you are having issues with your skin or nails, talk to your provider.