what are these white spots we get under our nails?

Question

???

Answer 1

It is not lack of calcium or pottassium as most people believe- that's an old wives tale to get children to eat dairy and bannanas! It's actually where you've bashed your nail...that's all :o)

Answer 2

No, they are most likely caused by slight knocks, not calcium deposits or lack of potassium!

People with manual jobs, such as builders or car mechanics, generally have quite a few at once where they damage the bed of the nail. It then grows out as a white patch. Doesn't look fantastic, but is perfectly harmless.

They can be a sign of zinc deficiency or a number of other very serious conditions, but it's far more likely they come from a simple knock (probably about 3-4 months before the marks actually show up).

Answer 3

white spots under your fingernails for many different reasons...it can tell you when something might be wrong with your body. Some examples of these are: If the half moon at the base of your nail is white, than you are probably in good health and getting proper nutrition. If your nails are very bendable, than you might have come in contact with alkali, have a problem with Arthritis, malnutrition, or your endocrine system. Brittle nails are sometimes a symptom of dry nails, contact with irritating substances, iron-deficiency, kidney problems, circulation problems or thyroid problems.
This was very informational, but, I wanted the medical reason. So with a little more searching, I found it. Webmd.com defines it as Leukonychia. A occurrence of white spots or patches under the nails of unknown cause, the discoloration may be total or in the form of lines or dots. Hope this helped to explain why you could have them.

They did offer some suggestions on why it may appear. Mild trauma could be one reason. Maybe your hand slammed into the door with your fingernails hitting first. The only problem with this is that the white spot may not show up instantly and nails grow very slowly. So by the time you see it, you may not remember hitting it. The second reason might be because of a Fungai infection. Fungai could be picked up at gyms or nail salons. The third reason might be because of a skin condition, such as psoriasis, although this is not common. And Finally, it could be caused by poor nutrition. Maybe you are low in a mineral or vitamin. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

I read that it's not calcium but a lack of protein...of course that lack of protein occured many months ago to give your nail time to grow. or you could have hit your finger the wrong way where the nail was growing and damaged it that way.

Answer 5

They ususally come from slight injuries like hitting them against something. It also might be a nail polish or something you are allergic to.

Answer 6

You need to have more calcium. Thats milk and dairy products. I found as well that a jelly cube each day did wonders. My hair got better and my nails got stonger!!

hope that helps

Answer 7

You need extra vitamins and minerals. Try drinking apple cider vinegar mixed with water for a refreshng tonic. Look up on websites for ACV cures.

Answer 8

body lacking in calicium , top up with milk , cheese , yogart , cream , eggs or some plain old tablets from boots ( chem. ). but you do need to look at what your eating long term

Answer 9

I get them all the time my friend told me it was something to do with calcium or potassium. I was either a gain or shortage of one of those.

Answer 10

its just good luck, a million for each one, sometime in your lifetime,

my Oma told me, she was right about everything and everybody loved her, EVERYBODY, not just friends and family either