Why Do White Spots Appear On My Nails?

Have you ever wondered why those white spots appear on your nails? It is not due to a lack of calcium, as you may have been believed. Now find out the several reasons why this happens and how to prevent it.

Leukonychia is the official scientific name that refers to the appearance of white spots on the nails. There are different types and causes of it, and it has not been proven to be a sign of calcium deficiency, as many think.

In this article, we want to tell you all about why white spots appear on your nails.

Myths about white spots on nails

Probably at some point in your life you have looked at your nails and seen them: small, white dots or lines.

Our grandparents may say they are the result of the lies we tell. Maybe our parents told us we need to drink more milk because we need more calcium.

But none of these theories are true.

So now is the time to figure things out and learn why it really happens.

Types

Leukonychia can appear at any time and disappear just as quickly. It can be divided into four types:

1. Punctata

These are small patches that have spread up and down your nails. They usually appear in childhood. This is due to minor repetitive damage.

2. Striata

This is when parallel transverse bands appear. They are more common in women. They are caused by aggressive manicures. They may also be due to chemotherapy.

3. Partial

This affects a certain part of the nail. They often occur at the top of the nail.

4. Complete

This is the case when the entire nail has a fairer, almost homogeneous appearance. This is a rare condition. It can occur congenitally or at an early age. In most cases, it is hereditary.

Zinc deficiency and nail patches

These white spots are not the result of insufficient calcium intake. However, it is true that we are missing some other nutrient.

White lines and dots develop at the base of the nail. They move forward as the nail grows.

Zinc deficiency can be the cause of the problem. When the nail material is damaged, you will see a white dot.

Leukonychia can also be caused by an illness or health problem. For example:

Psoriasis
From a stomach ulcer
About colitis
About nephritis

Lack of certain nutrients can also cause white spots. This is because they help in the growth and development of fingernail compounds.

Some of these are:

Vitamin B6
Vitamin A.
Iron
Zinc

If the lack of these nutrients causes us white spots because they affect the formation of nails, it can also make them weak and fragile. As a result, they are more susceptible to suffering damage that leaves marks.

Other causes of white spots on nails

These spots are not dangerous, but they do not look beautiful.

However, there may be another reason for them : they can result from inflammation and damage to the structure of the nail. This causes a different and abnormal nail growth.

Of course, there are also some daily habits and procedures that can cause white spots on the nail. They can even happen when we don’t pay attention to what we do.

Among them we find:

Biting nails or cuticles.
Manicures that are too aggressive (for example, use chemicals).
Some kind of crafts.
Excessive nail surgery.
Writing too hard.
Tapping nails on the table.
Use of strong cleaning chemicals without gloves.
Continuous use of nail polish.

How can you treat and avoid white spots on your nails?

There are currently no treatments for leukonychia . There is only one way to get rid of spots on your nails; you need to wait for the nails to grow enough so you can cut them off or file them.

Sometimes it may be necessary to see a doctor. These cases include if you see marks all over your nails or if they become very bright and become opaque.

This may be due to a permanent nail structure problem.

If you don’t want to see all those “little clouds in your nails,” you need to:

Remember good hygiene and keep your nails moisturized.
Avoid nail polishes and aggressive treatments.
Let your nails rest between each varnish (leave at least a day before varnishing them).
Wear gloves when cleaning your home (washing dishes and cleaning surfaces).
Take care of your nails carefully, not just the heads. Above all, you should take care of your cuticles and roots.
Eat zinc-rich foods such as dried fruit and wheat germ.
Eat vitamin A daily. You can find it in carrots, pumpkins and peaches, for example.