Need Advice - Paronychia not healing because of Tarceva - 1252437

That's such a dreadful complication. I came up with this link. There are several references to it and possible solutions on this page.
http://cancergrace.org/topic/afatinib-cetuximab-trial-user-group/page/3/
another such discussion,
http://cancergrace.org/lung/topic/lets-share-the-experience-of-bibw-299…

I was looking for where certain spring talked about breaking down and having the dreaded surgery that I believe ended up helping tremendously. Although I'm may not be remembering that correctly and she isn't likely to be back online her as she goes through the recent loss of her dad.

I hope you get some relief from it soon,
Janine

ssflxl,

See a podiatrist ASAP! When I was on Tarceva, I had a badly infected toe that finally had to have the nail removed and the area lanced. It was the only thing that worked. Certain spring had her toes cauterized, I believe. I don't know if that's the same thing, but a podiatrist is the only answer when it's that bad.

Good luck,
Jazz

I agree that this is probably outside of the range of what an oncologist would manage, though I will often have my patients take a break from treatment for 1-2 weeks if they're having severe problems with infections, and I'll often add an antibiotic like cephalexin (Keflex). These measures can help, but I think a podiatrist is likely to be most helpful.

Good luck.

-Dr. West

I agree about the podiatrist, but wanted to mention that the last time I was in the drug store I noticed a whole array of foot care products aimed at diabetics. I had never noticed them before. They were in the same area as the diabetic supplies. I would think with all of the trouble diabetics have with their feet that at least some of these products would be good.

Just a thought. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this. Sounds painful.

Debra

I am suffering with 3 very sore toenails. I showed my oncologist and he said the nails didn't look infected. So, he put me on Clindamycin oral drug, 300 mg every 6 hours for 7 days. I must say I had a difficult time taking this drug because of the horrible after taste, which has caused a very bad upset stomach. Today, is my last dosage. I'm not seeing any improvement in my toenails. So, I will see a podiatrist, too. I also have issues with cracked finger tips. I'm using white gloves at bedtime with lots of lotion. This seems to help. Also, polysporin on the cracks and a bandaid, helps. I tried the polysporin on the toenails and it helped some but not enough. You are not alone in this toenail problem.

ssflxl, I agree with everyone who says go to a podiatrist. I would add - "and soon!" I had the same problem, in both big toes, for nearly a year and I sympathise massively as it was painful, time-consuming and unpleasant. It sounds as if you've got a "granuloma" (I think it's called) - an overgrowth of scar tissue which grows fast and furiously at the site of the problem. Unfortunately that just makes things worse, because if nail spikes have become embedded in the skin, it becomes harder to get them out.
This is also the reason why antibiotics sometimes aren't sufficient - they can clear up the infection for a while, but if there is a structural problem such as an ingrowing toenail, the whole cycle just starts up all over again.
I was very resistant to surgery but thus far (touch wood) it has worked. I had it in August and have had not problems since. They burned away the nail on both sides, and the most painful part was not the procedure but the anaesthetic beforehand. My big regret is that I was not sent to a podiatrist straight away: he said he might have been able to manage it more conservatively had he seen me sooner. All best.