Keeping skin and nails healthy after breast cancer treatment

How breast cancer treatment can affect your skin and nails

Some treatments for breast cancer may affect the health of your skin and nails. They may look and feel different to what you’re used to.^1,2,3

Different treatments may cause different side effects. For example, chemotherapy might make your skin dry, whereas radiotherapy may affect the colour of the skin. Other things affecting your likelihood of skin and nail changes include the amount of treatment you are taking (the dose) and how your body reacts to the treatment.⁴

 In most cases, any effects are reversible when treatment stops.⁴ But it’s still important to take extra care of your skin and nails before, during and after your breast cancer treatment.^1,4

Skin changes 

If you are having chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy, you may experience some of the following changes to your skin:^4,5

• Redness
• Rashes
• Swelling
• Dryness, which may lead to cracked skin
• Colour changes
• A burning or tingling sensation
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Hand-foot skin reaction or hand-foot skin syndrome, which both affect skin on the hands and feet 

There are some simple things you can do to support your skin health. These include:⁶

• Following a good skin care routine – keep it clean and moisturised
• Washing using lukewarm water
• Using skin care products free of fragrances and additives
• Using sun protection on your skin and try to cover the skin when out in the sun
• Avoiding extreme temperatures, pressure or rubbing
• Wearing loose clothing
• Avoiding irritants, such as cleaning products, bleach, alcohol or tight clothing on the skin 

If you’re experiencing skin changes as a side effect of treatment for breast cancer, speak to your doctor. They will be able to offer information and support specific to you. 

Nail changes

If you are having targeted therapy, chemotherapy or hormone therapy, you may experience some of the following changes to your nails:^1,2,7

• Growing more slowly
• Breaking more easily, or becoming loose or falling off
• Ridges or lines appearing
• A change in the colour – typically looking more yellow
• Swollen or painful cuticles (the skin around the nail)
• Getting infections

There are some simple things you can do at home to help support your nail health. These include:^1,7

• Keeping nails short
• Filing nails regularly to avoid snagging or breaking
• Keeping nails moisturised
• Limiting contact with water
• Wearing cotton gloves under plastic household gloves for any wet work
• Avoiding anything that could cause injury
• Avoiding manicures and pedicures, and avoid nail polishes, hardeners and false nails
• Looking out for and quickly treat any nail infections 

If you’re experiencing nail changes as a side effect of treatment for breast cancer, speak to your doctor. They will be able to offer information and support specific to you. 

Preparing yourself for changes to your skin and nails 

It is always good to be prepared before you see your medical team. With so much in your head, it’s a good idea to write questions down before your appointment. If you have questions about potential skin or nail changes as a side effect of treatment, you may wish to ask:⁷ 

• When might these problems start? How long might they last?
• What can I do to prevent them?
• What products should I use/avoid?
• Will I need to see a dermatologist or other specialist about these side effects?

Through being prepared and watching out for any skin or nail issues, you can be ready to act if they do appear.  It’s important to tell your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms you experience. They may recommend treatment to help you manage the changes.⁴