1. Can artificial nails be placed on people with cancer?

This question was answered by an oncologist from the Saint-Luc University Hospital in Brussels. She cannot give a clear answer, it depends on the treatment you have to follow. If you need chemotherapy, it is usually not recommended to wear artificial nails. This is because it has a negative effect on your nails. To know whether you can wear artificial nails during your treatment, it is better to consult your oncologist or your doctor. Below we will go into more detail about the effects that chemotherapy can have on your nails and how you can minimize the damage.

2. What can chemotherapy do to your nails?

Chemotherapy has a negative effect on your nails. Your nails become more brittle, discolour or discolour, crumble and they start to split. This nail damage is not permanent, when the treatment is stopped the nails recover.

What can you do to cause as little damage as possible:

There are several ways to minimize nail damage during chemotherapy . Below we will go into more detail on how to minimize nail damage during chemotherapy.

• With some treatments such as: Docetaxel and Taxotere , nail damage or changes can occur more often. With these treatments, it is usually suggested to wear ice mittens. For this purpose, there are special cold mittens that are applied to the feet and hands. The cold of the mittens will constrict the blood vessels in the hands and feet so that the medication does not reach your fingertips or toes. This reduces the chance of damaged nails.
• It is best to use nail strengtheners as soon as you start chemotherapy. This will not prevent your nails from coming loose, but it will prevent cracks in the nail plate. You should apply this daily, to both your fingernails and toenails. Remove this strengthener regularly with remover without acetone. You can get nail strengtheners from the chemist.
• Take extra care of your hands, feet and nails:
  • Avoid contact with irritating products.
  • Make sure your nails are short to prevent your nails from breaking and tearing.
  • Maintain good hand, nail, and foot hygiene to prevent infections.
  • Wear gloves during certain activities to prevent injuries.

3. Summary

Wearing artificial nails when you have cancer depends on the treatment you have to follow. During chemotherapy treatment it is strongly advised not to wear artificial nails. Chemotherapy damages your nails, which means that artificial nails will not adhere properly or will cause even more damage. If you do not have to follow chemotherapy, it is better to contact your oncologist or your doctor to find out if you can wear artificial nails during your treatment.