One of the most common problems with chemotherapy for breast cancer is that the nails become brittle and change color. Sometimes, the nails become very thin and break; sometimes, they thicken like an athlete's foot. Can these nail problems be prevented?

"It is very common for breast cancer patients to report that their nails have lines, change color, become thinner, or become thicker like athlete's foot during chemotherapy. Unfortunately, no treatment can completely prevent it or nutritional supplements that can keep nails healthy," says Professor Chae Hee-jung of the Department of Hematology/Oncology at the National Cancer Center on the YouTube channel National Cancer Center.

Patients have to accept that this is a natural part of chemotherapy, Professor Chae noted, adding that fortunately, once chemotherapy is over, their nails will recover."

For breast cancer patients, there are times when the health of their fingernails and toenails is compromised during chemotherapy, and they need to react quickly. This is when pus or extreme pain occurs in the nails.

"If your fingernails or toenails are oozing pus or are so painful that you can't touch them, it could indicate inflammation," Professor Chae said. "In this case, you should go to your local dermatologist to have them disinfected, or, if there is an abscess, you must have it punctured and drained and take antibiotics if necessary."

Chae pointed out that chemotherapy changes the color of nails or causes lines, and patients often try to cover them with nail polish, which is not good for nail health.

"Some patients paint (nail polish) on their nails to cover up the color during chemotherapy, but it's good to remember that it doesn't help nail health," Professor Chae added.