Nails & Tamoxifen

Good afternoon, 

I wondered if I could ask for some advice? 

Since being on Tamoxifen (about 6 months) I have been having problems with my fingernails.  Before cancer treatment (Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy) I had long nails but recently I am having to keep my nails shorter than usual as they keep splitting and snagging.  Do you have any advice or can you recommend how I remedy this?

Thank you!  Emma

  • Hi Em, sorry you are having difs, not least I'm on T and this is another thing to look forward to, yikes! Check with your onc or GP, but an old remedy for weak nails ( I'm old but know a bit about manicures etc) is you eat a cube of raw jelly every day, because the gelatine strengthens. Obviously this is not an option if you're vegan, but chucking it in, should it help. The jelly you melt in hot water to make a trifle. Good luck. Plum. 

  • Hi Emma,

     

    As a podiatrist I have to cope with weak nails on both hands and feet, attributed to a number of causes.  One of the things I would suggest, in addition to the jelly, which is a great idea, is to use Gehwol Protective Nail Oil.  If you can run to it, but twice the price, is Arbonne FC5 Skin Oil, which is the best oil I have ever come across.  Nails are only extra strong skin, so this is why it will work.  Apply it at night, and rub it in with your thumb over the whole nail and down the sides, then run over the start of your finger, at the base of the nail, as the nail does not generate from where you see, but a bit further down the finger towards the body.  Good luck with that - I know it will help, but of course it will take a monthy or two before you see the best, because it has to grow up from base, but be patient.  You can probably get both products on Amazon.

    Have a great day!

    Shiney

     

     

  • Thanks for great info, shiney.