2006-07-13 15:28:57 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
These are probably normal. White spots and lines on your nails can develop as the result of trauma to the nail, and since it takes 8 months or so for a nail to fully grow out, they can be there for a while! Spots and lines can also be caused by an allergic reaction to a nailpolish or other nail treatment. If the spots are on your toenails, it's possible you have contracted nail fungus, which is extremely difficult to get rid of.
If you have suddenly developed white spots/lines on most of your nails and haven't slammed them all in a door recently, see a dermatologist. Sometimes these spots/lines are caused by underlying medical conditions like psoriasis, a lack of zinc or protein in the diet, or cirrhosis of the liver.
2006-07-13 15:34:17 · answer #1 · answered by Meg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The white spots and lines are just calcium deposits in the nail, and they are usually nothing to worry about. However, if you have never had this happen before or it has begun happening more frequently or with larger spots than usual, you should talk to your doctor about it, because it could be a sign that something in your body is a bit off.
2006-07-13 22:34:07 · answer #2 · answered by Cat Loves Her Sabres 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
White spots under the nail are caused by trauma to the nail itself. This can be anything from closing your fingers in a drawer, to whacking your hand against something, or -- if you're a "hard" typist -- by typing. The trauma causes the nails to detach from the layers below a little bit causing this white appearance. They're harmless and will disappear as the nail grows out. Of course, if the trauma is continuous, then new ones will form.
2006-07-13 22:33:53 · answer #3 · answered by Eric 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is because you are not getting a sufficient calcium intake. Increase the amount of dairy (e.g. milk, yogurt) you eat and try a nail enhancer. I used to have the same problem. If you know an Avon representative, the company sells this great nail polish that strengthens and lengthens nails, getting rid of the white spots and lines. (It is in a little blue bottle)
2006-07-13 22:33:24 · answer #4 · answered by skaur1290 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have white spots that generally means that you have too much or too little calcium in your body. If you have lots of lines in your nails it is usually because you are defficient in a vitamin or mineral... sometimes it is protein. Try taking a multi vitamin and problems might dissolve. If they start to yellow or become itchy, you should see a doctor.
2006-07-13 22:33:29 · answer #5 · answered by Stina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those are places where you bruised the nail subderma (under the skin), it isn't a big problem and will grow out of the nail eventually.
2006-07-13 22:32:07 · answer #6 · answered by PUtuba7 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have ridges that make lines on my nails and a friend told me that was a sign of zinc deficiency. Haven't tried taking zinc to see if it helps.The white spots go away on their own.
2006-07-13 22:34:37 · answer #7 · answered by petlover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
white spots are calcium deposits, up your milk intake (I think) or might be sign of stress a while back if they are on every nail at same point... same for horizontal ridges. vertical ones are just the shape of your nails, you can buff them out...
2006-07-13 22:32:21 · answer #8 · answered by matts_wife 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah i have a white spot on one of my nails i don't know why
2006-07-13 22:30:57 · answer #9 · answered by Jocey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lines are lack of calcium. A manicure could help. Calcium tablets are good rather than finding different foods and milk with calcium in it.
2006-07-13 22:39:33 · answer #10 · answered by karijane 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋