Overview of White Spots on Nails
What Are White Spots On Nails And How To Get Rid Of Them? White spots on nails, also known as leukonychia, are a common issue that many people notice at some point in their lives. These spots can appear as small dots or larger patches on one or more nails. While they’re usually harmless, many people wonder why they occur and how to get rid of them. In this article, we’ll explore the real reasons behind white spots on nails and offer practical tips to treat and prevent them.
Types of White Spots on Nails
There are different types of white spots that can appear on your nails, and understanding them can help pinpoint the cause.
- Total leukonychia: The entire nail turns white, though this is rare and usually linked to more serious health issues.
- Partial leukonychia: Part of the nail becomes white, which can be caused by various factors.
- Punctate leukonychia: The most common type, where small white dots appear on the nail.
Causes of White Spots on Nails
- Injury or Trauma to the Nail
- One of the most common causes of white spots is minor trauma to the nail bed. This could happen if you accidentally hit or pinch your nail, even if you don’t remember the incident. The damage interrupts the nail’s growth, leading to visible spots.
- Nutrient Deficiencies
- Deficiencies in certain nutrients, particularly zinc and calcium, can contribute to white spots on your nails. These minerals are essential for healthy nail growth, and a lack of them can weaken the nails, making them more prone to spots.
- Fungal Infections
- Sometimes, white spots can be a sign of a fungal infection in the nail. While fungal infections are more commonly associated with yellow or discoloured nails, certain types of fungi can cause white patches.
Healthy Nails, Tips
What Are White Spots On Nails And How To Get Rid Of Them? Both fingers and toes are a soft pink colour with a single white crescent called lunular at the bottom of each nail. So, what are the white spots on nails that seem to appear out of nowhere? Medically, nail abnormalities involving these white spots are called leukonychia. You may have heard about mineral deficiency being associated with this condition, but there is more to it than that. Infections, underlying medical conditions, and even injury can cause varying kinds of white spots. There are several ways in which you can get rid of them. Let’s delve deeper to understand this condition so that you know what to do about it and how to get rid of white spots on your nails with a few effective home remedies.
What Are White Spots On Nails And How Do They Look?
White spots on nails or leukonychia partials are a kind of partial white discolouration of nails. The word leukonychia is derived from two Greek terms, leaks (meaning white) and onyx (meaning nail). Depending on how the white spots appear on your nails, you may have either of these three types of partial leukonychia
If the white spot on your nail appears as a horizontal band running parallel to the lunular (half-moon-shaped base of the nail), you may have leukonychia striata. These are also called Meese lines and generally outgrow with the nail over time
Longitudinal leukonychia appears as multiple pale white bands at least 1mm thick that run parallel to the base of the nail. Leukonychia punctate is the most common type of leukonychia and looks like small white dots on the nails. These generally disappear over time. However, as the nail grows, the number and pattern of the spots may change.
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FAQs
Ques-1: Are white spots on nails dangerous?
Ans: In most cases, white spots are harmless and will grow out naturally. However, persistent spots may need medical attention.
Ques-2: Can nail polish cause white spots on nails?
Ans: Yes, allergic reactions to nail polish or nail hardeners can cause white spots. If you notice spots after using a new product, this might be the reason.
Ques-3: How long does it take for white spots to go away?
Ans: White spots usually grow out with the nail. Since nails grow slowly, it may take several weeks or months for them to disappear completely.
