Term: Chemotherapy
Definition (plain English):
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses strong medicines to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
Examples:
- Drugs used for cancers such as breast cancer, leukaemia, or lymphoma.
How it relates to nails:
Chemotherapy can temporarily damage the nail matrix, leading to Beau’s lines, onychomadesis (shedding), or discolouration. Some chemotherapy drugs also make nails brittle or cause pigmentation changes.
Confusable with:
Nail changes caused by systemic illness, trauma, or nutritional deficiencies.
Disclaimer:
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a diagnosis. Always seek medical advice if you are concerned.
