Chemotherapy

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.