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Hand soreness and black nails?

Page last modified on: October 13, 2008
Question from Katrina: I have just finished my chemo and have been on Herceptin for five treatments now. I have been experiencing soreness in my hands as well as the nails blackening. Is there anything to make it more comfortable, and is this common?
Answer —Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P.: The soreness in your hands and the blackening of your nails is more likely related to the chemotherapy that you received rather than Herceptin. You should discuss this in detail with your medical oncologist. The things that come to mind are the possibility of peripheral neuropathy—damage to the nerve endings in the fingers and toes—that can be related to the use of Taxol (chemical name: paclitaxel) chemotherapy. There are possibilities including infection of the nailbed, softening of the nails, and slowing of nail growth related to chemotherapy. Infection is very rare, but it could be treated if it's present. It is common for nails to grow more slowly or break and to be softer because of chemotherapy treatment. And just like hair loss, this is a reversible side effect and generally improves over time.

On Wednesday, September 20, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Open for Your Questions. Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions covering a wide variety of issues relating to breast cancer.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P.Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P. is associate professor of clinical medicine at New York University School of Medicine. She is the founder of The Women's Oncology & Wellness Practice in New York City where she specializes in treating women with breast cancer and other malignancies, as well as women at risk for cancer. 

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon. Her clinical practice is located at Holy Redeemer Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center.

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