White Spots on Nails
White spots on nails, also called leukonychia, are a common problem that many people notice at some point. Minor injuries to the nail, irritation from nail care products, or habits like biting or bumping the nails usually cause these white spots. Most of the time, these spots are harmless and go away as the nail grows.
Sometimes, white spots can be linked to things like allergic reactions, fungal infections, or vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Less often, they may signal a health condition such as low iron or certain diseases, but this is rare. Knowing the different reasons for white spots on nails can help people decide whether to wait for their nails to heal or check with a doctor.
Definition of Symptom
White spots on nails are patches or specks of white color that appear on the fingernails or toenails. These spots can vary in size and shape and may show up as single dots or as larger areas. The medical term for these white spots is leukonychia. This word comes from the Greek words leuko (white) and onychia (nail). There are several types of leukonychia:
- Leukonychia punctata: Small, white dots scattered across the nail.
- Leukonychia totalis: The entire nail appears white.
- Transverse leukonychia: White lines that run across the nail, also called “striate” or “Mees’ lines.”
- Longitudinal leukonychia: Rare white streaks running down the nail.
- True leukonychia: The white color is due to changes in the nail itself, not under the nail.
Most of the time, small injuries to the nail matrix, mild infections, or reactions to nail products cause these spots. White spots can appear on one nail or several nails at the same time. The location and shape may give clues about the underlying cause.
Possible Causes
White spots on nails are often called leukonychia. Many things can cause these spots to appear, and most are not serious. One of the most common causes is nail trauma. Bumping or hitting the nail, biting nails, or getting a manicure can lead to these spots. The spot may not show up right away, but it appears as the nail grows.
Allergic reactions to nail polish or remover can cause white spots in some people. Other products used on or near the nails can also trigger them. Nail fungus can cause part of the nail to look white or crumbly. Fungal infections are more common on toenails but can affect fingernails too.
Some conditions like psoriasis may affect the nails. Psoriasis can lead to pitting, white spots, or crumbling nails. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies may also play a role. Here is a quick look at some related deficiencies:
| Deficiency | Effect on Nails |
|---|---|
| Zinc deficiency | White spots, fragile nails |
| Calcium deficiency | Weak or brittle nails |
| Vitamin deficiencies | Slow or unhealthy growth |
In rare cases, health conditions such as kidney disease or liver cirrhosis may be linked with white spots on nails. However, most white spots are not caused by serious illness.
Other Non-Disease Causes
Everyday habits or simple mistakes, not just diseases, can cause white spots on nails. For example, minor nail injuries from accidental bumps, pinching, or pressure can lead to tiny white spots appearing days or weeks later.
Using nail polish and the chemicals in nail polish removers can also cause white marks. Wearing polish for long periods or using harsh removers dries out the nail plate and can lead to white spots.
Frequent manicures can sometimes damage the nail surface if there is too much filing, scraping, or cutting the cuticles, leaving spots. Nail biting is another common reason. Chewing on the nails can harm the nail plate or bed, causing white marks to form.
People who do household chores or work with chemicals without protective gloves may expose their nails to irritants. This exposure can make nails weaker and more likely to show white marks.
Common Non-Disease Causes Table
| Cause | How it Leads to White Spots |
|---|---|
| Minor Nail Injuries | Disrupts nail growth, causes marks |
| Nail Polish/Remover | Dries out nail plate |
| Manicures | Over-filing or pushing causes trauma |
| Nail Biting | Damages nail surface |
| No Protective Gloves | Exposure to chemicals/irritants |
How It Causes the Symptom
White spots on nails, also called leukonychia, happen when something affects the nail matrix. The nail matrix is the base part under the skin where the nail grows. When a person scratches, hits, or damages it, white marks can form on the nail as it grows out.
These spots can also show up if the body does not make enough keratin in the nail. Keratin is a protein that gives nails their strength and color. Problems making keratin may lead to streaks or dots that look white. Common ways the nail matrix or keratin production can be affected:
- Injury from biting nails or banging fingers
- Allergies or reactions to nail polish
- Fungal infections
- Side effects of some medicines
- Rarely, diseases like kidney or liver problems
Blood tests can help check for vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Low levels of zinc, iron, or calcium may sometimes cause white spots. Still, most spots come from minor injuries, not from health conditions.
Table: Common Causes and What Happens in the Nail
| Cause | What Happens in the Nail |
|---|---|
| Injury | Matrix damage disrupts nail growth. |
| Infection | Fungi may change nail color/texture. |
| Allergic Reaction | Inflammation changes keratin. |
| Nutrition Deficiency | Matrix cannot make normal keratin. |
Possible Complications
Most white spots on nails are harmless and fade as the nail grows out. However, sometimes they may signal deeper health issues. In rare cases, chronic white spots can point to underlying problems such as liver disease, kidney disease, or nutritional deficiencies.
These require medical attention and may slow down nail repair. If a fungal infection or allergy causes the white spots, the person may feel discomfort, pain, or see the infection spread. Fungal infections can make nails thick, brittle, or cracked, which makes healing harder.
Severe trauma to the nail matrix can lead to long-lasting spots or even permanent nail changes. For example, repeated injury from biting nails or using harsh nail products may prevent the nail from repairing itself properly. A summary table of significant possible complications:
| Cause | Possible Complication |
|---|---|
| Fungal Infection | Nail thickening or brittle nails |
| Allergic Reaction | Swelling or persistent damage |
| Nutrient Deficiency | Slow nail repair, weak nails |
| Chronic Health Issue | Ongoing nail spots, slow healing |
People with white spots caused by health conditions often notice slow or incomplete nail repair.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most white spots on nails are harmless and will go away with time. But sometimes, they can be a sign of a health issue that needs attention. Seek medical advice if you notice any of these:
- White spots that last longer than a few weeks.
- Spots spreading to other nails.
- Nails becoming thick, crumbly, or distorted.
- Nails changing color (yellow, brown, or black).
- Pain, swelling, or redness around the nail.
If other symptoms appear—like fever, skin rash, or unexplained tiredness—contact a doctor. These may be signs of an underlying health problem. Common serious causes include:
| Cause | Possible Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Fungal infection | Thickened, brittle, or discolored nails. |
| Allergic reaction to nail products | Itching, redness, or swelling around the nails. |
| Medical condition (rare) | Spots with other symptoms like fatigue or weakness. |
A healthcare provider can check your nails and may do simple tests to find the cause. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system should be extra careful and seek help sooner if nail changes appear.
