Nail Disorders From Radiation

Radiation either in treatment or occupational exposure can have an adverse effect on nails. While issues may be a cause for cosmetic or health concern, problems with the nail bed can be addressed with some careful management and can go away after exposure to radiation has been eliminated or limited. Understanding common issues and suggested nail management can assist nail care during weakness.

Nail Abnormalities

• Disorders of the nail can include any abnormalities that affect the color, shape, texture or thickness of fingernails or toenails. There are a variety of health issues that can impact nail health, but some treatments can also affect the health of the nail bed. A common nail disorder of the nail is pitting, or small depressions in the nail surface. Ridges are tiny, raised elevations running up and down or across the nail bed. White streaks or spots on the nails are clinically referred to as leukonychia. An abnormally shaped, thin nail disfiguration is referred to as koilonychia. Brittle nails are common in the elderly but they may also be a sign of disease or underlying condition.

Typical Nail Issues

• It is common for patients with cancer to experience nail problems while undergoing radiation treatment. You may experience weakened or brittle nails. You may also find that your nails lift off or develop ridges across the nail bed. Nail issues are a side effect related to the body's exposure to radiation during treatment and are not usually permanent.

Managing Nail Problems

• There are several things you can do to help manage the condition of your nails while going through radiation treatment. Health care practitioners caution against wearing artificial fingernails which harbor bacteria and lead to infections. It is also suggested that you avoid cutting cuticles and opt for cuticle cream for hard or rough cuticles. As nails will be sensitive, wearing gloves during gardening and housework will help prevent further nail weakness. To work against the effects of dryness you should keep your hands moisturized. You may consider painting your nails to give them extra strength, or soak your nails with olive or vegetable oil to replace moisture. If your nails break near the nail bed or lift, consider covering the nail with a band-aid to ward off infection and protect the nail.

Bowen's Disease of the Nail

• Further evidence supports that professionals that work with radiation may also experience nail irregularities. At the Tohoku University School of Medicine in Japan, a physician with Bowen's disease occurring on the nail was studied. Bowen's disease, a skin disorder triggered by extended solar exposure, was identified as the issue leading to brown bands on the patient's fingernail. Scientists determined the occupational exposure to x-rays for 25 years was linked to the occurrence of the nail issue.

Warning

• In addition to your radiation treatment, the drug bleomycin may also be given to help stop the growth of cancer cells in the body. This drug is an element of chemotherapy that may be included in your treatment. Bleomycin has been shown to have an adverse affect the condition of nails. Reported side effects of the drug bleomycin include increased brittleness and lines or bands across the nail bed. During this treatment, nails may also change color.