Foot Health During & After Cancer Treatment. It's Important.
How does chemotherapy affect feet?
Chemotherapy can impact feet in a number of ways. The skin and toenails, as well as the sensation in feet can all be impacted by chemotherapy.
Certain chemotherapeutic medications can induce something called Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy, of CIPN. This happens as a result of damage to nerves, and can create numbness, tingling or pain, loss of sensation, and movement issues of hands and feet.
Other times, chemotherapy can impact the skin on a person's feet. This might appear as peeling skin, rashes, or raw-feeling skin.
Chemotherapy can also have an impact on toenails by loosening them, making them brittle and susceptible to breaking or peeling.
Chemotherapy can cause fingernails and toenails to loosen, thin, peel or break. Fingernails typically return to pre-chemo health within -12 months after treatment ends but because toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, toenails can take more than a year post-treatment to return to 'normal'. Be patient!
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keep your feet and toenails clean
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use a soft nail brush to remove any dirt or debris
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consider using a topical nail strengthener
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trim your toenails but leave approximately 1mm of white edge of the nail - don't cut off all the white - this can cut into a very fine protective skin barrier under the nail and allow bacteria to invade
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file your nails to avoid any sharp edges
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if you wear nail polish, use a non-toxic brand and use non-acetone nail polish remover
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treat any toenail tears or breaks with first aid ointment and a bandage, and seek medical assistance if it appears infected or you can't care for it yourself.
Toenails and Chemo
Skin care for your feet.
You may find that the skin on your feet peels, becomes dry and cracks, or feels 'raw'. Resists the urge to pick at any peeling areas, and above all, be gentle with your feet. Protect, protect, protect!
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inspect your feet regularly and tend to any injuries right away
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use gentle creams designed for feet - never anything harsh such as an exfoliant
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stay away from petroleum-based products - it's not healthy to have petroleum products on skin
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don't apply cream between your toes - "no grease in the crease" - this can create a warm, moist environment between your toes which can cause the skin to crack and break down
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short (10-15 minutes), warm (not hot), Epsom-salt water foot soaks can be calming and soothing. Be sure to always test the water temperature with your elbow before putting your feeing the water to avoid potential burning or injury
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speak with your doctor if you have concerns about the skin on your feet
