O.K. I am about to confess a guilty pleasure of mine, a mani-pedi. I feel more put together, large and in charge, when my fingernails and toes are polished and looking good. Unfortunately, chemotherapy and radiation can wreak havoc with skin and nails. Nails can become dry, brittle, discolored and even peel. During my chemotherapy for breast cancer, I wanted to continue to polish my nails. I checked with my oncology nurse first to make sure it was OK and then did some homework to find out how to care for my nails and to protect myself from infection. Here is what I learned:

• Avoid nail salons. Set-up your own mani-pedi salon at home.

• Always keep nails clean and short.

•Tools: Clip nails with a clipper and then file. Keep your tools clean by soaking them in rubbing alcohol.

•Cuticles: Never cut cuticles or skin. Massage cuticle cream into the cuticle area to keep them from becoming dry and brittle.

•Nail Polish: Opt for water-based nail polish or Five-free polish brands. Nail polishes that are called 5-free means that these brands have removed five of the most toxic polish chemicals including formaldehyde, toluene and DBP.  One of my favorite brands is OPI. OPI has a nail care line called Nail Envy which is designed to strengthen soft, brittle and sensitive nails and a huge range of polish colors. 

Water based nail polishes are non-toxic, non-flammable (great for travel), and practically odorless. As the name implies, water is used (up to 70%) as a replacement for toxic chemicals. Water based polishes may require a topcoat and they might take a little longer to dry but the health trade off is worth it. A popular brand is Acquarella.

•Polish Remover: Very dry nails can become even weaker during treatment. Use polish removers that are acetone-free.

• Avoid artificial nails as they can trap bacteria.

• Protect your nails by wearing gloves when doing housework or gardening.

The tips that I learned from taking care of my skin and nails during treatment have become my nail care rituals today. I have returned to the salon but I bring my own clipper, file and nail polish. I still enjoy my mani-pedis at home particularly when I can convince my daughters to join in!

For more lifestyle tips during cancer, checkout our series, Know and Tell with more blogs on Beauty, Skincare and Nails.