wondermom Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 My mom seems to have developed an infection on her fingernail area. It is pretty red. She has been putting neosporin on it. She says she thinks it is from the Tarceva. Has anyone else experienced this? Should she be going to the doctor for it? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyoung20 Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 The same thing has happened to me many times. I would let her doc know and maybe he could give her a medications that will be more effective. I used a topical antibiotic as well. Usually clears up in a few days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 Anytime something NEW developes and causes concern, it's ALWAYS best to call her Onc's office. Even the nurses can help you. Just try to remember, "When in doubt CALL the Onc's Office." She's paying a lot of money to be taken care of, and they need to know when new things pop up. Infections of any kind should be mentioned to her doctor. Let them decide what is serious or not, and let them give you and your mom peace of mind. Best of luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dchurchi Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 When Alan was undergoing chemo, he lost all his finger and toe nails. Not sure this is the same thing with your mom, but once chemo stopped they all eventually grew back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ernrol Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 I never had that problem, but I have heard of it. I would call the onc, there may be something he can give you for that. Stay positive, Ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SherryNeedsToLaugh Posted May 16, 2007 Share Posted May 16, 2007 I also have fingernail problems and was told by someone to use Tea Tree Oil on them and it really has helped. I asked my doctor first and he told me to try it but didn't have much hope that it would help. I do my best to prove him wrong every chance I can. I now do my chemo with my fingers in ice water. I think it was his way of paying me back for him being wrong. I would ask the your mom's doctor before trying anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j ross Posted May 17, 2007 Share Posted May 17, 2007 Yes Barry has experienced this. Not too badly anibiotics help. Jennie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welthy Posted May 17, 2007 Share Posted May 17, 2007 I'm not familiar with Tarceva causing nail infections. I hope your Mom calls the doctor. For those who are on the fingernail problem chemos, here is what the chemo nurse outlined for us. (Glad to hear it helped Sherry!) Hope it works for others. Prevention: Rub neosporin/triple antibiotic ointment into cuticles and nails 1-2 x per day. Use a clear coat nail hardener. If nails begin to separate: Do above and also put tea tree oil under the nails 2-3 x per day. Keep your hands out of water. The fungus thrives on water. Wear gloves. If nails turn black and/or smell, the fungus has arrived: Soak your fingers in 1/2 vinegar 1/2 water solution 2-3 x per day and put the tea tree oil under the nails also 2-3 x per day. Welthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shar Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 This has happened many times, including my toes. I am on Minocycline and that seems to help. Maybe ask your Onc about it and see what they can do. Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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