Paronychia and Nail Treatments in Chemotherapy Patients
Paronychia and Nail Treatments for Chemotherapy Patients
Your detailed guide into the in’s and out’s of nail changes as a result of chemotherapy.
From hair loss, to nail changes and dry skin, the side effects of chemotherapy can seem endless for any cancer patient. Nail changes as a result of chemotherapy, are one of the most common side effects and one of the most common forms of nail changes is known as paronychia. Paronychia is a common nail disease that is typically a very tender fungal or bacterial infection that can affect nails on both the hands and the feet. The infection usually occurs at the side or the base of a nail and can begin suddenly or gradually. In several of the cancer patients I have treated personally, I’ve seen how the side effects of chemotherapy, particularly paronychia, can affect a patient’s well being as well as their self-identity. With each patient I treat that suffers from unwanted skin, hair, or nail changes I inform them of the ways they can treat and overcome these changes so they can get back to looking and feeling healthy again.
An overview of nail changes and when they occur
Typically, when nail changes occur after chemotherapy, the nails on the fingers are more affected than the toenails and usually grow out normally again after about six months. In some uncommon situations, the nails may fall off though this can usually be attributed to chemotherapy medications such as Taxol and Taxotere. While some nail changes can only cause cosmetic problems, there can be more serious issues if the nail gets infected at which point you should consult with your doctor.
Paronychia is one of the most common nail changes
Paronychia occurs when the skin around the nail gets injured or irritated in some way. If there is an open wound, no matter how small, germs such as fungus and bacteria can get into the skin around the nail area and it can become infected. Some of the most common reasons these nail injuries occur can be attributed to common practices such as biting, chewing, or even picking at the nails, as well as pulling out hangnails and sucking on ones fingers. Paronychia on the toe nails can commonly be attributed to an ingrown toenail, those these side effects are less common. When the nail area is affected it can become sore and tender.
Treating paronychia and its symptoms
The treatment of paronychia depends on the severity of the nail changes and the infection. Soaking one’s hand in water four times a day can help relieve swelling. One should also protect the nail area so that the wound is not susceptible to further fungal or bacterial infections. You will want to avoid activities that may put your nails in danger, such as lifting heavy objects. One should also refrain from biting or picking at their nails, and in any case, the nails should not be irritated as this can worsen the infection and lead to more complications. In this case, antibacterial or antifungal medications can be taken to heal the infection.
Certain nail remedies such as Polybalm can protect against paronychia
To keep the nails healthy and prevent from further infection I recommend Polybalm, a polyphenol nail rich remedy that, “is the only natural nail remedy to be scientifically designed, prepared and evaluated in a major government-backed randomized controlled trial.” Polybalm also contains rare plant-based waxes and biologically active essential oils which have been delicately prepared to preserve their rich polyphenolic compounds with no potential irritants such as preservatives, colours, parabens, sulfates or petroleum.
Beau’s lines may also occur
Beau’s lines are lines that appear on your nails which can be either horizontal or vertical. They are a type of nail color changes and usually cause the nail to appear darker or lighter than normal. The nail may also have a yellowish appearance at times. Beau's lines typically occur when you have received high-dose chemotherapy treatment and your nails stop growing temporarily.
Care for your nails by strengthening and protecting them
While nail changes such as paronychia and Beau's lines may be uncomfortable and cause cosmetic issues the good news is that most of these nail changes can resolve after time if you take the right approach to treating them. Protecting the nails with a clear nail polish like 7 in 1 Elixir Nail Treatment will help keep your nails strong, hard, and hydrated so they are protected after chemotherapy treatment. Caring for the nails during and after treatment will reduce the chances or nail changes and reduce the time that it takes to recover from nail changes like paronychia and Beau's lines. I personally recommend the carefully selected nail care products at Hope & Beauty as they have been clinically tested and proven to prevent and aid in the treatment of nail changes that occur during or after chemotherapy treatment.