Leukonychia (or leuconychia), also known as white nails or milk spots, is a medical term for white discoloration appearing on nails. It is derived from the Greek words leuko ("white") and onux ("nail"). The most common cause is injury to the base of the nail (the matrix) where the nail is formed.
It is harmless and most commonly caused by minor injuries that occur while the nail is growing. Contrary to popular belief, leukonychia is not a sign of excess or deficiency of calcium and zinc or other vitamins in the diet.[citation needed] It is more commonly found on fingernails than toenails. There is no effective treatment for leukonychia.
However, the white marks and spots gradually disappear as the nail grows outward from the matrix with the nail plate.
There is a generally accepted opinion that the main reason for the white spots on the nails is a lack of calcium in the body and the problem is solved with increased intake of this mineral.
However, research conducted by the German Institute of General Medicine in Hanover showed that this opinion is actually a myth.
The doctor from the Institute Ulrike-Junius-Voker explained that the nail is composed of 100 to 150 thin layers, of which only 0.2% contains calcium.
Small nail trauma such as stroke or minor injuries, cause changes to parts of the nail to became visible as discoloration or small pockets of air on their surface.
There are cases where the reason for the appearance of white spots is precisely the lack of calcium, but it is very rare and is associated with patients with severe deficiency of calcium triggered by some other diseases.
In case when the person is fed properly and still has white spots on nails, it is not a lack of calcium.
Causes of White Spots on Nails
Nail Injuries
The white spots on the fingernails, which can appear as dots or lines, are called leukonychia. An injury to the base of the nail, which is also known as the matrix, can result in the appearance of these white spots on the nails
Due to the fact that these spots take some time to appear after the injury, you may have forgotten all about the injury. Some examples of the types of injuries that can cause these spots are banging the finger on the door or banging it on the countertop or with a hammer. Having manicures done frequently can cause injuries to the nails as well.
Allergic Reaction
There are times when white spots can appear on the nails due to an allergic reaction to nail polish, nail hardener or even nail polish remover.
Application of acrylic nails on your fingers can cause trauma to the nail base.
Zinc Deficiency
Zinc is a metal that is normally found in the human body. A zinc deficiency in a person commonly causes white spots or streaks in their nails.
A change in the person's diet can help to resolve this problem.
Some foods that can help to add zinc to the person's diet are oysters, baked beans, yogurt, crab, beef shanks, pork shoulder, spinach, nuts and whole grains.
Protein Deficiency
A protein deficiency in a person will show as horizontal bands that extend across the nail bed. These lines are known as Muehrcke's lines. Due to the fact that these lines are on the nail bed and not on the nail plate, they will not simply grow out with your nails.
When the protein levels return to normal, these lines will usually just disappear. There are some rare cases in which these lines can be indicative of liver disease. There is a way to test to see if these lines are Muehrcke's lines or not. Just press down on the nail plate, and if the lines disappear then they are Muehrcke's lines.
Recommendations of protein-rich foods: Turkey beast, fish (salmon, tuna), pork loin, lean beef, tofu, beans, yogurt, soymilk, nuts and seeds.
Calcium Deficiency
Possibly because of the numerous calcium enriched nail strengtheners on the market, there is a widespread belief that calcium deficiency causes leukonychia. There are even products on the market that incorporate "calcium" into their name.
In order to treat calcium deficiency, you can simply add calcium to your diet, drinking orange juice or any other calcium fortified food or drinks will help.
Fungal Superficial Onychomycosis
A subtype of an infection that commonly appears on the toenails is known as white superficial onychomycosis. Fungi are the cause of these white spots and they appear on the nail plate and then they spread to the nail bed. This disorder presents with the toenails appearing flaky at first and then the nail becomes thick. Nail splitting then occurs and there is significant pain while wearing shoes.
There are some other disorders that can mimic this disorder, so in order to diagnosis this form of onychomycosis, a doctor can clip a piece of the toenail and examine it under a microscope or they may choose to place the clipping into a special container and watch it over time to see what type of fungus grows on it.
An oral anti-fungal medication in combination with a topical ointment is normally recommended. This will usually clear this condition up within three months, although it is important to be aware of the fact that the topical ointment generally will not fully penetrate the nail plate to reach the nail bed.
Serious Diseases
There are some serious diseases that present symptoms like white spots on the nails. Therefore, it is extremely important to see a doctor if you notice any discolorations in your nails. The earlier you see the doctor the more likely it is to treat the condition effectively.
Liver disease, like hepatitis and cirrhosis, is one of the more serious causes of white spotted fingernails.
Kidney disease also has symptoms that affect the nails, such as nails that are possibly white and pink. The nails can be turned partially white due to kidney failure.
Anemia, which is also a sign of iron deficiency, can produce pale or white nail beds. Adding iron to the diet, such as leafy greens and meats, and avoiding dairy, will help to reverse the iron deficiency.
There are some cases in which the person may develop koilonychias, which is abnormally shaped thin fingernails with raised ridges that curve inward.
Home Remedies for White Spots on Nails
Cover with Nail Polish
In order to hide these white spots, you can use nail polish, preferably a light shade of pink or peach.
Moisturize
Maintaining a good level of moisture in the hands is important. A good tip for this, is massaging the hands and fingernails with either vitamin E or hand lotion, which can be applied to the skin on the side of the nails as well.
Let It Grow Out
Patience is of the utmost importance when letting the white spots on the nails grow out. With time they will grow over the smile line, which is the separation between the bed of the nail and the actual growth of the nail. Once this occurs, you can clip, cut or file them down, but it is extremely important that you don't take off too much, it is necessary to leave some actual growth so you do not damage the nail bed.
Keep a Balanced Diet
Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for the overall health of the entire body, including the fingernails.
Have More Calcium-Rich Foods and Drinks
Consuming foods and drinks that are fortified with calcium is a good way to keep the nails from getting these white spots.
Eat More Vitamin C Rich Fruits
These white spots tend to appear if you are not getting enough vitamin C in your body. Therefore, it is important to eat foods and drinks that contain vitamin C, such as oranges, grapefruits and orange juice.
Consume More Zinc, Iron, Sulphur Rich Foods
White spots on nails can be a signal that you are lacking zinc, sulphur and iron. Include more foods which contains these elements can help you treat the condition. At the same time, you can always take moderate amount of supplements.
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