Cracked fingers and sore scalp

[deesil]

I had the issue with cracks from the corner of my fingernails into my fingers. I put superglue on them with the doctors blessing and it helped a lot. My fingernails are a mess now, though; pitted with ridges, splitting horizontally, and weak. My biggest question is if anyone else has experienced a painful scalp while on Imbruvica? I've been on it for four years now.

[AutumnJ]

Hi Deesil,I am not on ibrutinib, but for over a year, I have been suffering from horizontal cracks in the nail bed. I took biotin for a year - it didn't help, the situation got worse. I then started taking iron supplements which worked a dream until recently. I now have 2 nails with horizontal cracks. I haven't had any scal issues however.

[deesil in reply to AutumnJ]

Thanks!

[dmmck]

I have been on Imbruvica for three years. I also have cracked fingernails. I use Barielle nail strengthening cream on them every night and it helps. I don’t get nearly as many cracks and splits. It took a couple of months before I started seeing results. I had some painful scalp issues too, but it was psoriasis. Tar shampoo and steroid cream helped clear it up. Good luck.

[deesil in reply to dmmck]

Thanks!

[sookieny]

I am on Imbruvica for 2 years now. I have the same issues with the cracked skin on my nail corners as well as the split nails. Those cracks hurt like all get out. They eased up for a few months, but came back again last week. My nails are a mess, nothing has seemed to help the cracks and splits. If you find anything let me know.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to sookieny]

Have you tried the high dose biotin of 5,000 micrograms daily yet? You'll need to stay on it for at least 3 months for your nails and skin to grow out the affected tissue/nail. Don't forget you need to temporarily halt it for a week before any blood tests checking for hormone levels and some biochemical tests. The straightforward CBC/CBE blood count tests are not affected.

Neil

[deesil in reply to sookieny]

I put superglue in the cracks and it eases the discomfort; as for the nails I haven't found anything that works yet but have gotten some suggestions to try.

[deesil]

I take biotin but not in that amount. I'll try it. Thanks!

[DelrayDave]

I used KISS, which is a glue for split nails. If I got it on early enough it helped a bit. It's probably the same as superglue. It comes in little tubes like superglue. Now I am off ibrutinib and on venetoclax and that problem is gone.

David

[deesil in reply to DelrayDave]

Thanks - I'll look for it

[marebearzy]

I have been taking Imbruvica for almost 3 years have the same issues with sore scalp, horrible nails and thinning hair along with other issues

[deesil in reply to marebearzy]

Thanks. the doc looks at me like I'm crazy when I tell him my scalp is sore.