Why do I get white marks on my fingernails?

Question

I`m nine years old and my dad says that it is because I don`t have enough calicium but I drink a glass of milk every day and I eat cheese and eggs too But I don`t think thats true so what`s causing them and how do I get rid of them?

Answer 1

I've heard lots of things about where they come from. The most popular opinion is that they are caused by lack of calcium - although I've heard people say it can be from too much calcium, to few fruits/vegetables/vitamins etc, that its from slight taps/bruises on your nails.....the list goes on.

Answer 2

An old wives tale says that you get a white mark on your fingernails for every lie you tell. I guess this was to try to keep kids from lying. In reality though your dad is right. At yoru age you should be getting at least 4 servings of calcium a day. Eggs don't count they have protein not calcium. If you don't care to drink that much milk, try eating yogurt, ice cream, cottage cheese or maybe even a calcium suppliment. Even at your young age it is never too early to start watching yoru calcium intake. Because you are a girl that will one day be a woman you will be at higher risk than a man for ostioprosis and other bone diseases more common in women than men. If you take care of your body now and give it the nutrients that it needs you are less likely to have these problems. So listen to your dad when he says drink your milk at dinner and to eat your veggies!

Answer 3

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.

To read more about is follow this link:
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/42/1689_50294.htm

Answer 4

Well, usually white spots are a sign of a calcium deficiency, here is a link to a site that will tell you how to get rid of them.
As well as keeping to the amount of dairy intake try a supplement as well. At 9 yrs you are still growing and you could be having a growth spurt and so your body is using more vitamins and minerals to do what it needs.
Hope this helps.

Answer 5

I read that it can have several causes. One cause, is that you have a trauma or illness to your body and it interrups the normal nail growth at that point. Also, taking certain medicines can cause it too. Calcium is important, but your better off taking a multi vitamin with calcium supplement rather than a glass of milk. I won't gross you out by explaining why. If you want stronger healthier nails, take gellatin capsules as directed.

Answer 6

The white spots are caused by bumps or hits to the nail bed.
Your nails turn white because the keratin in your nails is heavier where you hit it kind of like a bruise forms when you bump you arm or leg. It's nothing to worry about, they are harmless and grow out. Just be more careful with your fingers and nails.They aren't caused by a lack of calcium.

Answer 7

I've had them all my life. My mom's a pharmacist so she gives me all the supplements and vitamins I could ever need. They never go away, but what I've noticed is that I don't get them on my toenails. Why? I wear shoes all the time, so they never get bumped or hurt. I work a lot with my hands and they say that a bump on the nailbed (skin where your nails come out) can cause this.

Answer 8

it is either a calcium deficiency or a fungal infection. They can also be caused by trauma, i.e. shutting your finger in the door. They are actually called leukonychia.

If they are blob like, then it's the calcium.

If they look more like lines then probably the infection.

The calcium is easy to sort out, just eat more calcium rich food. If it seems to be an infection you need to see a dermatologist. Good luck!!

Answer 9

white marks fingernails

Answer 10

Thats Protein