ET can do a number on your skin, hair, and nails in lots of ways. Could be the hydroxyurea/could be the ET itself.

My hair is thinner and drier, skin is more sensitive, face, hands, and feet sometimes burn. Nails grow in odd shapes unless I keep them short. I use hypoallergenic, fragrance free soap and shampoo. I keep my skin moisturized religiously. No topical hair products. I tried biotin for a year, but didn't see much difference.

For me none of this is much more than a minor nuisance, but it hits others harder.

I REALLY wish that docs would address some of these side effects when they prescribe HU so people can be prepared. Most seem to think you should shut up and be grateful that you don't have to undergo the infused chemo that acute cancer patients get.