Chemotherapy drugs are powerful, affecting not just cancer cells but also other rapidly dividing cells in your body. The nails, like the rest of the body, can suffer from the unpleasant side effects of chemo.
“The patient’s immune system is down when in chemotherapy, which attacks not only the bad [cancer cells], but also drains out the proteins and nutrients in the body,” says Hiyas Landicho, nail-spa manager of The Spa. “This includes the nutrients in the nails, the last place that gets touched by the treatment.” This can lead to discoloration, called nail dyschromia, and separation and falling off of a nail from the nail bed, called onychomadesis.
Hiyas Landicho, manager of The Spa, Bonifacio High branch, reveals that nails can indeed be rejuvenated despite discoloration and peeling
When a nail turns black, it eventually dies and easily peels off. “Sometimes you can’t even feel that the nail is already falling off,” she continues. “Unlike when the nail is healthy, it’s painful when you try to peel it off because the veins are still active.”
Nail hardeners and whiteners
The easiest way is to cover up dark nails with a colored polish. While it may seem effortless, you have to note that all colored nail polishes contain dyes which cause yellowing and may further damage your already dark nails. Thus, a base coat must be applied before the polish itself, usually in the form of a clear polish. A better alternative is a nail hardener with calcium shield that leaves a thick protective coat on the nail for added strength and to prevent breakage.
Hand pampering
Apart from the nails you must also pay attention to the skin because it can become dull, dry, and flaky after undergoing various chemical treatments. Salons usually recommend paraffin wax for this: it soothes, it moisturizes, and it delights the skin. The Spa, for its part, has its Hand Chocolate Paraffin, a yummy au naturelle treatment that uses all-organic ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, and almond oil.
Foot pampering
Foot paraffins follow the same concept and procedure as the hand paraffin, but vary the theme with a different scent. Both hand and foot paraffin sessions take about 30 minutes each.
For total pampering, treat yourself to a complete foot spa. It’s a soothing foot soak and scrub, which removes dry and cracking skin. At The Spa, for instance, a seaweed mask is used to seal in the moisture, while luxurious moisturizers cap off this relaxing 45-minute treatment. Like the hand spa, the foot spa leaves you with a refreshed feeling that lasts well after you’ve left the spa for the mall or for your appointment with the doctor.
Touch therapy
Reasonable care must be employed during skin- and nail-care treatments for patients who have undergone chemotherapy. “Not all treatments are suitable for patients, like deep-tissue massages or those [that use] too much pressure, because one minute they might not feel any pressure, but after a few hours they would feel like they’re coming down with the flu,” shares Hiyas. “It will all depend on the recommendation of their doctor as we also don’t want to aggravate their present condition. We actually ask clients at the outset if they are on any active treatment or if they require any special care so we can better address their needs.”
Progressive pressure is advisable to relieve any discomfort a patient may be experiencing, such as tingling or “pins and needles” sensations. An instant remedy for this is heat therapy: soak your towel in warm water and wrap it around your hands; lather with lotion after, while massaging the palms using the thumb or knuckles. Hand and shoulder massages, as well as foot and arm rubs, also work wonders. Pamper your skin regularly with a sufficient amount of body butters, which lock in moisture and keep the skin smooth and supple. Always go for skin products with more natural and organic ingredients and stay away from those with too much chemical oils.
These techniques and treatments are designed to help relieve discomfort. So, aim to make yourself feel good about yourself. Just remember to go to spas and salons that you trust and that put your best interests first. So go ahead and pamper your nails and skin—after all, you deserve to reward yourself every once in a while.
Marielle Pacificador, a breast cancer survivor, flaunts her lovely, flawless nails
Acrylic nails
Acrylic nails come in various forms. One type is made from mixing powdered acrylic with a liquid solution, which is then molded onto the nail. “The disadvantage is its strong smell, its thickness, and it doesn’t look natural,” says Hiyas. Also, a specialized nail drill is needed to shape the nail, as well as to remove it, so there’s a risk of scratching the nail beds if you’re not careful.
The preferred choice is acrylic nails shaped like natural nails, which come with a special adhesive. You can apply them on by yourself or have a nail technician do it for you. Various designs and colors are available; in fact, they come in prepackaged sets, with spare nails just in case you lose one or two. They’re easier to cut and file, and you can even apply a new polish over them if you want. They last from 10 to 15 days and peel off by themselves—no need to forcibly remove them. 
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