I start chemotherapy next week and now a bit confused about my nails I have read you cannot wear gel polish but when I saw my oncologist last night he told me to keep it on
I agree that there seems to be a bit of contradictory advice about wearing nail varnish while having chemotherapy. This is probably because there isn't much in the way of research about it.
Dry nails can be a side effect of chemotherapy and sometimes they can spilt or even lift off the nail bed. Nails can also discolour and develop lines that eventually grow out. But not everyone will have a problem with their nails.
Generally the idea is to moisturise nails to combat the dryness and to protect them while performing household tasks. You can read about these and other tips on our website at the link below,
However, research suggesting that some chemotherapy nail changes might be brought on or made worse with exposure to sunshine has led to the idea of covering the nails with a dark nail varnish to protect them. I don't think there is an awful lot of research to show how well this or other things work, but the use of dark nail varnish is said to be quite popular.
I am not sure how moisturising gel polishes are or how often they need to be reapplied. I think if there is a concern about using nail polish it is because along with nail polish remover it could be quite drying.
Anyway, for now it is good that you have had the chance to ask your oncologist and don't have to change your nails. When you go to the chemotherapy unit/clinic do talk to the nurses about this and pick their brains, I expect they will have had quite a few conversations with other patients about nail varnish and may be able to pass something useful on.
I hope your treratment goes well.
If you want to talk anything over do give us a call on Freephone 0808 800 4040, we are around weekdays from 9-5.
