Why do I have white spots on my nails?

Answer 1

Ever wonder what those pesky little white spots are on your fingernails? According to SallyHansen.com "Leukonychia, the presence of white spots on the nail surface, is very common. It's often caused by a mild trauma to the nail." White spots can also be from a lot of calcium intake. Never try to buff these spots off as this can lead to brittle nails.

Answer 2

In most cases, no. While there are many reasons for these white spots (called leukonychia), most of them are due to mild trauma -- such as hitting or slamming your fingernail on or into something -- and there's usually little cause for worry. The good news is they'll simply grow out with time.

Because a normal fingernail takes about eight months to grow out completely, you may not notice the mark of an injury for several months after the fact. If you see white spots about halfway up the nail, you can assume that the insult took place approximately four months earlier. But if you can' t remember slamming that finger keep in mind there are other causes for white spots.

If you use nail enamels, nail hardeners, or artificial nails, it's also possible that you're having an allergic reaction. Such products can cause nail fragility and very fine splitting or layering of the nail plate, which may result in whitish spots.

The white spots may also be something that you picked up at the gym or during your monthly manicure, namely a fungal, yeast, or bacterial infection that attacks the substance of the nail directly, leaving a whitish streak or spot behind. If you've forgotten to wear your flip-flops at the gym or if you're unsure about the hygiene at your nail salon, ask your doctor to take scrapings of nail tissue for fungal and bacterial cultures. If there's a pesky organism causing the spots, both topical and oral therapies can clear up this problem in a few weeks.


Finally, there are a number of total-body ("systemic") conditions that can leave white spots on your otherwise unblemished talons. Certain nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of zinc or protein in your diet, can cause a nearly total whiteout of your nail except for the tips or even a pattern of white bands across the width of the nail. Cirrhosis, a form of chronic liver disease usually brought about by alcoholism, can also result in nails that are almost completely white. Keep in mind, though, that white spots in that case are rarely the primary flag for diagnosis but usually occur well after this disease has made its presence known in other ways.

Given the number of conditions that can cause white spots, if you have a sudden crop of them on your nails (and you haven't caught your digits in the car door during the last six months), make an appointment to see your dermatologist.

Answer 3

The same thing happend to me when I was younger. I went to my doctors and he said that it's lack of calcium and vitamins in the nails that causes the white spots. Drink lots of milk and dairy products. That really helped my nails :)

Answer 4

The white spots are not from a lack of calcium. They are indeed bruises. Try to avoid any nail biting or trauma to your hands.

Answer 5

Dont go panic my friend..!! Its not a matter to worry. These can be seen in a few cases as such in people who has got low nail pigment. or low calcium in nails. You may take the CALCIUM SANDOZ tablets. Probably that would solve. If not, your budding skin just below the nail might be pulled down naturally as the skin topographic constraints.. Its all natural..!! Never think ant that and go panic..! Be happy.! Never mind..!! If y ou are serious about that, consult a physician..!

Answer 6

Those are just dents or bruises. I have alot of them because I have a rottwieler and I play with him alot. Theres nothing wrong just use some nail hardener to prevent these spots.

Answer 7

I have some to...
They are just from bumping your nails hard on different surfaces.
Its nothing to worry about.
They might not be the same thing as mine but I'm assuming they are. If they are really bothering you and hurting you- they probably arent the same thing. And if thats the case- I would ask your doctor.
Hope that works!
~Abbie

Answer 8

I think you have those spots because of calcium deficiency.Better intake a proper amount of Calcium.

Answer 9

a myth I know is that white spots on your nails mean you have a crush

Answer 10

They are more than likely bruises. When you hit your fingernail, the bruise to the nail part turns out to be white.