Is that the nails will become black druing chemo & what about teeth

[kontak]

Can anybody please inform about the nails and teeth as my sister's nails have started appearing somewhat blackish.

Also will the chemo affect teeth and gums

[sumeet_shah Administrator]

Nails become black due to effetcs of 'E' in 'FEC', which is Epirubicin. It happens to many patients who undergo the FEC chemotherapy

Do not worry, once the chemo is completely over, all the blackening will go within a month or two. I

Gums are only occasionally affected

[rgci13]

As doc said nails do change colour but they all return to original colour after the chemo gets completely over.nails take a little time to grow but they attain the original texture. Keep oiling your nails and cuticles for keeping them soft. Do not cut the cuticles of the nails of the affected arm during a manicure and use your own set of nail cutter and filer at the saloon if you get it done there. Don't worry about your sister's nails only be positive with her all the time. All the best and take care both of you!

[kontak TeamBCI]

Thanks doctor and rgci13

[rohankhandelwal]

Darkening of nail beds and pigmentation is a side effect of taxanes/ taxols (chemotherapy drugs) used in breast cancer. This problem occurs in less than 10% patients but fortunately it is reversible.

To read more about taxanes in breast cancer (side effects, precautions), you can read this post on my blog - docrohan.wordpress.com/cate...

[kontak TeamBCI]

Thanks Dr Rohan