Brittle nails after chemotherapy: 7 gentle tips for immediate protection

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Nails and Chemotherapy

More and more women are affected, and many have the problem that after chemotherapy, their nails change and nothing seems to adhere to them. But why is this the case?

The keratin layer is an important component of nails. It forms the hard, protective surface of the nails and consists of keratin, a protein also found in hair and skin. The keratin layer protects the underlying nail and contributes to the strength and structure of the nails.

During chemotherapy, changes in hormone levels can occur, potentially weakening the keratin layer of the nails, which can then lead to brittle nails. Some also experience curved fingernails or brown or yellow nails. This has been observed with certain types of cancer, such as lung cancer, or when specific medications are used. Some chemotherapy drugs can interfere with the production or action of certain hormones in the body. This can lead to temporary or permanent changes in hormone levels, which can have various effects depending on which hormone is affected.

Chemotherapy can affect nail growth as it targets rapidly dividing cells, which also applies to cells in the nails. Some people notice that their nails grow slower or become more brittle during chemotherapy. It is important to take extra care of your nails during treatment and regularly consult with a doctor to discuss any problems.

Not only chemotherapy can affect our nails

Other hormonal changes, such as those occurring during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can also lead to changes in nail growth. For example, some people report faster nail growth during pregnancy.

Changes in hormone levels can affect nail growth, but this connection is not always direct. Hormones play a role in regulating various physiological processes in the body, including nail growth.

However, diet or genetic factors are often a reason for brittle nails and disturbed nail growth, rather than the influence of hormones.

Also with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect hair and nails.

With hypothyroidism, hair can become dry, brittle, and thin. It can also lose its shine and fall out more easily. Nails may grow slower and be more brittle.

With hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, hair can become thin and fine. Some people also report increased hair loss. Nails may grow faster, but they can also be thinner and more brittle.

How our nails can change

1. Slower nail growth: Nails may grow slower than before.

1. Brittleness: Nails can become more brittle and splinter or break more easily.

1. Changes in nail shape: The shape of the nails may change slightly, possibly due to thinner nails or the appearance of longitudinal ridges.

1. Dryness: Nails and the surrounding skin can become drier, which can lead to brittle nails.

1. Sensitivity: Nails can become more sensitive over time or with hormonal changes. This can cause nothing to adhere to the nails or to peel off more quickly.

Therefore, it is particularly important to take even better care of your nails, including regular moisturizing and a balanced diet rich in nutrients that are important for healthy nails.

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How to strengthen your keratin layer

1. Adjust your diet:
   A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can contribute to nail health. Foods such as eggs, fish, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and legumes can be particularly useful.

1. Nail care:
   With moisturizers or oils, you can better care for your nails and the surrounding skin, protecting them from drying out. Also avoid excessive filing or frequent polishing of your nails, as this could further weaken the keratin layer. A buffer is also not recommended, as it can damage your nail even more.

1. Protection:
   Wear gloves when working with strong cleaning agents or tasks that heavily stress your nails.

1. Nail care products
   There are special nail care products that can help strengthen and protect nails.

1. Medical support:
   It is often advisable to seek medical support from a dermatologist or nail care specialist.

It is important to be patient, as strengthening the keratin layer can take time.

For a damaged keratin layer, UV nail wraps can also help your nails grow back healthily. They stay on your nail without damaging it, and with gentle removal using our remover oil, you won't damage your keratin layer.

How do I still get adhesion on my nails?

However, it can happen that even the UV nail wraps don't properly adhere to damaged nails. Together with some affected customers, we have tried a few things and now have a tip for you:

It is then advisable to first create a good primer and sealer to improve the durability of your UV nail wraps.

I now recommend to all my affected customers to use a nail dehydrator. This is a special nail degreaser and is applied thinly to the cleaned nail. It removes excess moisture and oils from the nail surface, thus helping to ensure better adhesion.

However, the use of a nail dehydrator is not necessary for all people. Please try it first without to see if the UV nail wraps don't adhere well to your nails anyway. It can also happen that very sensitive nails may react to it. In case of doubt, please always clarify with a nail specialist or doctor. Because not every nail is the same here either.

Afterwards, a Base Coat is applied to the nails as a primer. It also serves to protect the nails. It can also smooth out small bumps or ridges on the nail surface.

Now, the UV nail wraps are "glued" onto your nails as usual and cured with our UV-Polish under the UV lamp. This should make your UV nail wraps last longer on your nails and you can enjoy them for longer.

No aggressive chemicals: Many conventional nail polishes contain solvents that further dry out already stressed nails. MANIFIX foils are odorless and do not put additional strain on the body.

Our UV nail wraps do not require a dehydrator or base coat, but with the hormonal changes mentioned above, using them can improve their durability.

Do you have any further questions? Feel free to write to me, I'm here for you.

Your Nadine

UV Nail Wraps by MANIFIX

Nadine Lunge

In September 2022, I became aware of Manifix and their new UV nail wraps and definitely wanted to try them out. After some time as a Manifix customer, I was asked if I would like to join as a Passionista.

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