Nail Care Guide
Free Patient Resource
How to Maintain Strong,
Healthy Nails During
Cancer Treatment
A comprehensive nail care guide for chemotherapy patients and caregivers — originally developed by oncologists, dermatologists, and botanical experts alongside Polybalm®.
You Are Stronger Than You Know
Every step you take in this journey, no matter how small, is a testament to your courage and incredible resilience. While cancer therapy can be tough, your bravery is stronger.
Even in the most challenging moments, remember that you are valued, you are loved, and you are never alone. A community of support, hope, and healing surrounds you.
Understanding the Problem
What Are “Chemo Nails”?
While hair loss is the most well-known side effect of chemotherapy, nail damage is the #2 side effect — yet it is often underestimated and undertreated. Chemotherapy and targeted therapies can reduce blood supply to the nail bed, causing separation, pain, and increasing the risk of fungal infections.
Not all cancer treatments impact nails, and every journey is unique. Factors like the type of treatment, duration, and individual response all play a role. But for those who are affected, nail damage can become both physically and emotionally distressing.
Up to 90%
of patients on taxane-based chemotherapy could experience nail damage
50%
could experience “severe” nail damage on taxane-based regimens
30–40%
of patients on taxane treatment could suffer onycholysis (nail detachment)
57%
of patients on Talquetamab (Talvey) experienced nail-related adverse events
Why do nails matter beyond appearance? Nails protect the sensitive fingertips and toes from injury, improve grip strength and precision, and support fine motor coordination for everyday tasks like dressing, writing, and grooming. Toenails support balance and stability during walking. When chemotherapy damages nails, the impact on daily quality of life can be profound.
What to Expect
Common Nail Changes During Therapy
Nail changes can vary in type and severity. Here is what to look for.
Discoloration — Melanonychia
Visible marks and white or dark lines on the nail, typically appearing 1–2 months after chemotherapy begins.
Ridges or Dents — Beau’s Lines
Horizontal grooves across the nails that align with treatment cycles. Nails may also change color to yellow.
Brittle, Peeling or Splitting — Onychoschizia
Weak, splitting nails due to damage to the nail matrix and thinning. Can be very frustrating and painful when nails catch on things.
Bleeding Under the Nails — Subungual Hematoma
Dark brown bruising under the nail bed, a painful side effect of therapy.
Separation from Nail Bed — Onycholysis
Therapy weakens the connection between nail and nail bed, causing a white or opaque area and loosening. Painful and increases infection risk as bacteria can enter the gap.
Infection Around the Nail — Paronychia
A soft tissue infection affecting the cuticle, causing redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes pus. May require antibiotics. More concerning if white blood cell count is low (neutropenia).
Concave-Shaped Nails — Koilonychia
A spoon-like concave appearance caused by treatment affecting normal nail growth. Can be uncomfortable and impact grip.
Nail Detachment — Onychomadesis
Without proper treatment, partial or total nail loss can occur. Very painful, significantly increases infection risk, and can make daily tasks like buttoning clothes or wearing shoes extremely difficult.
Important: Nail damage can occur on both fingers and toes, though it is often noticed first on the toes due to pressure from walking and standing. If you notice signs of infection, redness, swelling, or pus, contact your oncology care team immediately.
However, there is a solution
Polybalm® is the Only Clinically Proven Product to Both Prevent and Repair Chemo Nails
The clinical trial results speak for themselves:
93%
of Polybalm users had NO nail damage during chemotherapy
99%
avoided significant nail damage (93% none + 6% minimal)
56%
of the placebo group suffered “significant” nail damage on the same chemo
p<0.00001
Less than 1-in-100,000 chance results occurred by chance
Thomas et al., Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 2018;171(1):103–110
What’s Inside
Polybalm’s 8 Natural Ingredients
Gently extracted to maintain their active compounds. Carefully chosen over chemical alternatives. Zero synthetics, parabens, or sulfates.
African Sage Oil
Antifungal and antibacterial. Less drying than tea tree oil.
Eucalyptus Leaf
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial with analgesic properties.
Lavender Flower
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial.
Beeswax
From hives close to Poplar trees. Antibacterial, emulsifier, and moisturising.
Organic Cocoa Seed Butter
Rich in polyphenols and vitamins A & E. Restructuring, regenerative, and antioxidant.
Unrefined Shea Butter
Hydrating and anti-inflammatory with fatty acids to create a natural protective barrier.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Rich in oleic acid. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Wintergreen Leaf
Natural salicylate that reduces inflammation and pain.
Contains natural trace allergens: Linalool, Limonene, Farnesol. This product is protected by one or more pending U.S. patent applications.
Instructions
How to Use Polybalm® for Best Results
Warm to Body Temperature Before Opening
The beeswax in Polybalm naturally firms in cooler temperatures. Warm the tube in your hands, pocket, or warm water before opening to avoid damaging the applicator.
Start Early
Begin applying Polybalm 7–10 days before your treatment starts and continue for 1–3 months after it ends. The earlier you start, the stronger the protection.
If Treatment Has Already Started — Begin Immediately
If your cancer treatment has already begun, start using Polybalm immediately — especially if you notice early signs of nail damage such as tingling, mild pain, or brown lines.
Apply 2–3 Times Daily
Apply Polybalm twice daily plus after bathing, showering, swimming, or washing dishes. Water exposure reduces moisture around nails, so applying after is essential.
Focus Where Nail Meets Skin
Massage Polybalm onto your nails using the applicator. Focus on the cuticle and the proximal fold (the area where the nail meets the skin). Apply to all 20 nails — both fingers and toes.
Use Separate Tubes for Fingers and Toes
Each box contains two tubes of the same product — one labeled for fingernails and one for toenails. This prevents cross-contamination and maintains hygiene during treatment.
What is it like to use? Polybalm has a light, natural scent of eucalyptus and lavender. It is non-greasy and absorbs quickly into the nails.
Real Patients. Real Results.
What Patients & Healthcare Professionals Say
“Polybalm is amazing and I find it incredible that there is finally a natural product for our patients’ nails! I have recommended this to my patients and have seen outstanding results.”
— Paige, Chemotherapy Nurse
“I received EC taxotere and herceptin for my breast cancer. Fortunately, my daughter’s friend heard of Polybalm and bought a few tubes for me. None of the doctors or nurses had even mentioned it despite the clinical study. I later found out that I was the only patient on the chemo unit with perfect nails!”
— Val, Cancer Patient
“Bingo!!! I’ve been using Polybalm for 2 months and my nails are no longer paper thin, and they look nice again. Chemo destroyed them and I didn’t want to use anything except organic products. Polybalm was the answer. Now they actually look better than even before diagnosis.”
— Patricia, Cancer Patient
“Every chemo patient should be told about this amazing product! I’ve been using it for about 4 weeks and the improvement in my nails is incredible. My nail beds no longer hurt, the brittleness is vastly reduced and they are thicker. This product isn’t cheap but wow, it’s a total game changer.”
— SW, Cancer Patient
Expert Guidance
Nail Care Tips During Treatment
Maintaining good nail health throughout cancer therapy can minimize the side effects of Chemo Nails. Polybalm is most effective when combined with good nail care practices.
Manicure & Cleaning
Keep nails neatly trimmed. Clip excess nails that might catch and tear, but don’t over-trim or pick at nail beds. Clear debris from under nails — it may contain fungus or bacteria. Always use a wooden nail pick, never metal.
Soap & Hand Washing
Wet hands and feet before applying soap to reduce irritation. Choose a natural soap free from sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Apply Polybalm after washing.
Bathing & Swimming
Water exposure reduces moisture around nails. Dry nails thoroughly after bathing — especially toes — to reduce fungal infection risk. Apply Polybalm immediately after drying.
Gardening & Dishes
Wear cotton gloves for gardening and rubber gloves for washing dishes to protect nails from chemicals and further drying of already sensitive skin.
Avoid: Nail Polish & Acrylics
Most nail polish contains toxins that dry and aggravate already damaged nails. Acetone removers are additionally drying. Acrylic nails can harbour bacteria and the removal chemicals cause further damage. Avoid during active treatment.
Avoid: Hand Sanitizers, Bleach & Vinegar
All are irritants to skin and nails, making them more susceptible to damage by chemotherapy. Avoid contact with these products where possible during treatment.
Loose Nails
If a nail becomes loose, do not pull it off. Lightly cover with a bandage or gauze and allow it to fall off naturally to avoid tearing and infection.
Footwear & Socks
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting shoes to minimize trauma to toenails. Wear cotton socks as they absorb dampness and help prevent fungal nail infections.
Nail Buffing
Regularly and gently buffing nails using the shiny side of a buffing block may increase blood supply, helping nails grow and stay strong.
Nail Cooling
Research by Professor Thomas has shown that cooling nail beds in iced water during chemotherapy infusions can reduce severity of nail damage. Ask your infusion nurse if this is available at your center.
Pedicures
If you have a pedicure, do not allow razor-like tools to remove dead skin and do not allow cuticles to be cut. Ensure all equipment is properly sterilized, or take your own.
Hydration
Water is essential for flushing toxic chemicals from the body. Dehydration intensifies chemotherapy side effects and is a leading reason patients seek medical assistance between treatments. Aim for 8+ glasses daily.
Nutrition
Diet & Good Gut Health During Cancer Therapy
Phytochemicals, vitamins, and essential amino acids are required for the body to repair DNA in the fingernails and toenails. They are also vital for producing keratin — necessary for healthy nail and hair formation.
✓ Increase Phytochemicals
Found in green tea, onions, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale) and herbs such as ginger and turmeric.
✓ B Vitamins & Protein
Foods rich in thiamin (B1), folate (B9), and biotin (B7) include grains and dark green vegetables. Healthy protein: eggs, lentils, beans, and pulses.
✓ Omega 6 for Nail Moisture
Essential for nail moisture and nourishment. Found in walnuts, sunflower seeds, avocado oil, and eggs.
✗ Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods
Processed sugar and carbohydrates promote chronic inflammation. Avoid sweet drinks, cakes, fried food, ready meals, and mass-produced bread where possible.
Healing Begins With Care —
You Are Never Alone On This Journey
Your body and spirit are remarkable, and even in the most challenging times, they continue to fight for you. Your well-being matters, and even the smallest acts of self-care — like nourishing your nails — are gentle reminders that you deserve comfort, kindness, and strength.
You are valued. You are cherished. And every day is another step forward on your journey to healing.
Ready to protect your nails?
Questions? Our Customer Care Team is always here to help.
