This is an anectdote from another BC forum. I couldn't find anything with credibility beyond sisterly advice ( which I hold esteemed, on principle), yet this one jumped out as apparently it came from the pister's convo with an infusion nurse:

"The way it was explained to me by the chemo nurses was that the Taxotere reacts to light, so once it gets into your nails it can make them photosensitive, leading to nail problems and possibly losing your nails. That is basically the same reason that they cover up the bag of Taxotere with a black cover during my infusion, to prevent it reacting to the light before it even gets in my body. Hence covering your nails with black polish to largely prevent light getting at them. Other dark colours may work to some extent, but black was recommended since it is the light blocking effect that is needed.Not sure about other Taxanes Binney.

Mind you the ice or frozen peas sound as though they would work too, if you can take the cold.

NoSunshine I hope your treatment goes well on Saturday and that you are successful in keeping your hair and your nails. For some reason I was fine with the thought of losing my hair but not my nails. Anyway I am getting thrrough it and you will too."

((Hug))

I used a clear nail polish on my thumbs. Saved my nails for sure!!

I didn't paint mine for the 1st 3 cycles and nails were fine painted them for 4th on stronger chemo and they have gone brittle and some have broke x

I don't know I never tried it but I lost all my nails and they have not long all grown back and I finished chemo may 2015 hope you are doing ok xx

I am wondering about dark vanish now how does the chemo know if you have dark or clear on xx