Don't use gel nail polish after chemo
 

I had a pedicure done and used gel nail polish as the nail lady stated it lasts twice as long. After 2 months they were looking good just one little chip so I decided to take it off. Not knowing that nail polish remover doesn't work, you have to peel it off. And with that some of my nail comes off too. Now my nails are more brittle and have been splitting and have white patches. They are slowly growing out.

I didn't have any problem with my toe nails during chemo, did lose my finger nails, but they are more brittle so this didn't help. Just a little warning for those of you who may be presented with this during mani/pedi's.
Suzanne

Re: Don't use gel nail polish after chemo
 

I've had gel nails all during my chemo and Herceptin treatments and I really think they saved my nails. It's true you can't remove them with regular polish remover but your manicurist should have told you never to peel them off either. It has to be removed by wrapping the nail with a small cotton pad soaked with acetone and covering it with foil for about 10 minutes. Then it will just scrape off really easily with an orange stick and won't damage your nails at all. So sorry you had this problem. I didn't mention that my manicurist has a certifcate in treating cancer patients and I got an okay from my onc dr. before geting a manicure during chemo.

Re: Don't use gel nail polish after chemo
 

Mine I'm sure aren't certified in much, thanks for the info.