Hi, my name Julie and my husband is a podiatrist for over 25 years so he has seen everything. I did ask him your question regarding big toe nail. He says toenails and hair are the same thing, keratin. When chemo causes you to lose your hair the same effect happens to your toenails and fingernails. Regarding loose toenails he suggested you have your nail removed, preferably by a podiatrist who knows how to do it properly. We do this procedure many times a week due to ingrown nails or loose nails, and fungal toenails. He numbs the skin around your big toe so you do not feel the injection of numbing medication. He places a tourniquet around base of toe to control bleeding, usually hardly any, and then removes nail. He is able to remove the complete nail. This takes all of a few seconds. If you try to hold nail on with bandaid it will usually get caught on something and rip off. When this happens some of the nail bed might be left and cause pain and infection. Also when nail grows without be completely removed it will cause pain, usually infection and more trouble than it’s worth. Especially if you have diabetes of poor circulation. Almost all insurance plans pay for this procedure. At our office for those who do not have insurance we have always worked something out. Doc says it takes about 6 months to completely grow out. ( this is the time for the colored bandaid!) same with fingernails only less time to grow out depending on health status. The toe is sore for few days. Everyone is able to wear shoes, sandals might be more comfortable but we have many people who go back to work next day in steel toe boots. The healing process takes longer and more painful if you let toe get infected, or torn off. NO lose nail will ever grow out normally by being left alone. The blood supply has been compromised so better and cheaper to take care of it sooner than later. I have had toenails removed due to fungus, it is truly not that bad. (Thinking about it is worse than getting it done) Everyone remember, just the same as your hair falling out and growing back, toenails work same way. We all have that period of “strange things that happen after chemo and radiation “ things will get better! If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to message me. I have a very good source of information sitting on my couch!
Take Care… Julie Hart