Causes of White Spots on Nails and How to Treat Them

According to SAEDNEWS, Leukonychia, or white nails, is a very common and harmless condition characterized by white spots and lines on the nails of the hands and feet. From a medical standpoint, white spots on the nails are not a dangerous issue; however, the type and cause of this condition must be determined so that the doctor can take the necessary steps for treatment.

What is Leukonychia?

As mentioned in the introduction, leukonychia, or the presence of white spots on the nails, is a common condition that many individuals face at various stages of their lives. Partial or complete whitening of one or more nails can occur on both fingernails and toenails. People of all genders, ethnicities, and ages may experience white nails at some point in their lives.

Interestingly, the term Leukonychia is a medical term derived from two Greek words: “leukos,” meaning white, and “onyx,” meaning nail. Healthy nails should be smooth, free of grooves or pits, have a uniform color, and be free from white spots.

Causes of White Spots on Nails

There are various causes for white nails. Some of the most important and common reasons for the appearance of white spots on nails include the following:

Physical Trauma to the Nails

Nails are made of keratin layers. Excessive pedicures and manicures, bending nails backward, trimming nails improperly, biting nails, long-term gel manicures, and wearing tight shoes can all cause damage to the keratin layer of the nails. When the keratin layer cracks, air gets trapped inside, leading to the formation of white spots.

Fungal Infections

Another cause of white nails is fungal nail infections such as onychomycosis of the feet. Fungi grow in the keratin layers of the toenails, causing white spots to form on the surface. As the fungal infection spreads, toenails become brittle and flake.

Systemic Diseases

The cause of total white nails (leukonychia totalis) can be systemic diseases like diabetes, iron-deficiency anemia, hyperthyroidism, pneumonia, cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, and kidney failure. In kidney failure, the albumin level in the blood decreases, and in liver failure, the body faces a decrease in protein levels. A lack of albumin and protein significantly affects the whitening of nails.

Mineral Deficiency

If the body’s mineral levels, such as calcium and zinc, are low, white spots can appear on the nails. Generally, a deficiency in other minerals like copper, magnesium, sodium, and iron also weakens nails and increases the risk of nail damage.

Vitamin Deficiency and Malnutrition

Deficiencies in biotin (vitamin B7), folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B12, and vitamin C in individuals suffering from malnutrition or who follow an unhealthy diet can lead to the formation of white spots on nails.

Allergic Reactions

White nails can also occur in individuals who are allergic to nail polish, artificial nails, nail polish remover, acetone, nail hardeners, and other related products. In fact, the whitening of nails in these individuals is an allergic reaction to allergens. These sensitivities may arise from various nail enhancement procedures.

Genetic Factors

In very rare cases, the appearance of white spots on nails in some individuals is indicative of a genetic disorder. This condition, inherited from one or both parents, can cause the child to develop total leukonychia (total whitening of nails).

Poisoning and Medication

The use of certain chemotherapy drugs for cancer, sulfonamide medications for treating bacterial infections, and poisoning from substances like arsenic can also cause striated white spots on the nails.

Symptoms of Leukonychia

Leukonychia is associated with the following symptoms:

• A white spot on the nail

• A white line on the nail

• Small, tiny white spots on the nail

• Large, scattered white spots on the nail

• Large, longitudinal white lines along the nail

• Parallel horizontal white lines near the base of the nail

• Complete whitening of the entire nail

Each of these symptoms occurs for a specific reason. For example, if the white spot is caused by allergic reactions, many small white spots may appear on the surface of the nail. Or, if the nail experiences trauma or injury, a large white spot will typically form in the center of the nail.

Methods for Treating White Spots on Nails

Since there are various causes for the appearance of white spots on nails, different treatment methods should be used depending on the underlying issue. The most important treatments for white nails include:

Adopting a Proper Diet

One of the best ways to treat white spots on nails is by following a proper diet rich in minerals and various vitamins. The stronger your nails are, the more resistant they will be to impact or damage, preventing white spots from forming. Include foods such as mushrooms, bananas, soy, butter, beans, eggs, grains, nuts, and cauliflower in your diet.

Biotin Supplements

Taking biotin supplements is also beneficial. Biotin, or vitamin B, is one of the essential vitamins needed by the body and plays a significant role in improving the health of the skin, hair, and nails. It helps the body convert food into energy.

Treating Fungal Infections Under a Doctor’s Supervision

As mentioned earlier in the article, one of the main causes of white nails is a fungal infection known as onychomycosis. To treat this type of infection, you must consult a doctor who will prescribe antifungal medications. These medications must be taken continuously for three months to completely eliminate the fungal infection. Skin fungus must be treated.

Using Nail Strengthening Products

Soft nails are much more prone to damage and breakage than strong, healthy nails. In some cases, white spots on nails are caused by trauma. Individuals who experience this can strengthen their nails by using nail-strengthening products, which are often recommended by dermatologists.

Discontinuing the Use of Nail Polish, Artificial Nails, and Gel Manicures

To treat white spots on nails, it is recommended to temporarily stop using chemical nail polishes, nail removers, artificial nails, and gel manicures. If you must use gel nails or French nails for a special event, make sure to choose polishes that do not contain harsh chemicals in their ingredients.