• Fungal Infections
• Allergies
• Nutrition
• Nail Health

Why are There White Spots on My Nails?

Medically reviewed and edited by Harmony Vance, APRN

Healthy nails don’t just look good, they can also be an important indicator of your overall health. 

Generally, your nails should be smooth, consistent in color, and free of spots.

When your nails change — like when white spots appear — it could signal an adverse reaction to external factors.

Although most of these causes don’t require serious medical treatment, you should know what to look out for when it comes to your nail health.

In this article, we look at factors that can cause white spots to develop on the nails and how to treat and prevent them to take care of your nails and overall health. 

Are White Spots on the Nails a Serious Condition?

When white spots or lines appear on the nails, it’s an indication of a condition called leukonychia. This condition can be grouped into two types:

• True leukonychia: This type occurs in the matrix of the nail, which is responsible for helping nail growth. True leukonychia can be partial or total, depending on the size of the affected area. 

• Apparent leukonychia: This type occurs when there is a problem with the nail bed, typically resulting from infections or adverse reactions.

Common Causes of White Spots on the Nails 

Minor injuries

Minor trauma or injury to the nails is one of the most common causes of white spots.

These injuries often occur during everyday activities and may initially go unnoticed. They could include:

• Accidentally hitting the nail plate against a hard surface and disrupting the nail matrix (the area under the cuticle where the nail grows)

• Aggressive manicuring, including pushing or cutting the cuticles too far back

• Repeatedly tapping your nails on hard surfaces  

• Biting or picking at your nails 

White spots that result from injuries are usually temporary and tend to move outwards as the nail bed grows. You will eventually be able to trim the spot away. 

Nutritional deficiencies

Nutrients play a crucial role in maintaining nail health, and deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can cause white spots to appear. These include: 

• Zinc deficiency: Zinc is vital for many bodily functions, including cell growth and division. A lack of zinc can inhibit nail growth, which contributes to white spots. Including certain foods — like meat, nuts, dairy, and whole grains — or taking a zinc supplement can help address this deficiency.

• Calcium deficiency: While less common, a deficiency in calcium can also cause white marks on the nail plates. Dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods are excellent sources of calcium that can remedy this.

• Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, and a lack of it can indirectly affect nail health, potentially leading to white spots. Sunlight exposure and foods like fatty fish and fortified milk boost vitamin D levels. In cases of severe deficiency, your doctor may recommend a supplement. 

Allergic reactions 

An allergic reaction to nail care products may cause white spots to develop. Common triggers include:

• Nail polish: Some individuals may react to certain chemicals in nail polish, such as tosylamide formaldehyde resin (TSFR), camphor, or toluene. 

• Nail polish removers: Acetone and other solvents in nail polish removers can be harsh on the nails, causing spots and dryness.

• Artificial nails: Glues and materials used for artificial nails or extensions can cause allergic reactions, which may impact the nail bed and cause white spots.

These reactions are usually accompanied by additional symptoms – like itching or redness around the nails.

Fungal infection

Fungal infections are a common nail problem that can cause white spots, particularly on the toenails.

These infections often start at the tip of the nail before spreading to the cuticle. You may also experience additional symptoms such as:

• Discoloration: Apart from white spots, nail color may change to yellow or brown.

• Thickening and distortion: Infected nails often become thicker and may change shape, making them difficult to trim.

• Brittleness: Nails may become brittle and crumbly around the edges.

If you suspect you have a fungal infection, seek treatment as soon as possible.

This may include using antifungal creams, oral medications, and, in some cases, removing the affected nail to allow regrowth of a healthy one.

Skin conditions 

Certain skin conditions that affect the nails can also contribute to the development of white spots. These conditions may include:

• Eczema and psoriasis: These inflammatory skin conditions can affect the nails, leading to pitting, discoloration, and white spots.

• Lichen planus: This condition causes fine white lines and spots on the nails, along with changes in texture and thickness.

You should consult a healthcare professional about these conditions and how to manage them. 

In most cases, you will see an improvement in your nail appearance when you start treatment for associated skin conditions.

Underlying health conditions

If you experience persistent or frequently recurring white spots on your nails, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue such as:

• Liver disease: Conditions affecting the liver can cause changes in nail appearance, including white spots.

• Kidney disease: Kidney problems can lead to a range of nail changes, including the appearance of half-white, half-pink nails that may look spotty.

• Heart conditions: Some heart diseases can lead to changes in the nail beds, which can contribute to the development of white spots.

Treatment Options for White Spots on the Nails  

For minor injuries 

Since minor injuries result in temporary white spots, it’s often best to wait until your nail grows out.

The spots will usually move outward as the nail grows and disappear when you trim the affected part. 

To prevent further injury, take steps to protect your nails from damage. This may include wearing gloves during certain activities and being gentler with your nail care practices.

For nutrient deficiencies 

Depending on the specific nutrient you lack, dietary changes are usually enough to treat the deficiency. 

For example, zinc deficiencies can be treated by eating more meats, nuts, and dairy products. 

Similarly, calcium deficiencies can be treated by consuming more leafy greens, dairy, and fortified foods, while you can increase your vitamin D intake by eating more fatty fish or safely increasing your sun exposure.

If you struggle to get adequate nutrients from your diet, speak to your doctor about using supplements to address your vitamin or mineral deficiency. 

For allergic reactions, infections, and skin conditions

Treating white spots caused by allergic reactions, infections, or skin conditions typically starts with identifying potential triggers. 

For example, if your nail care products are causing adverse reactions,switch to hypoallergenic or natural alternatives. 

To treat your symptoms — including rashes, dry skin, and itchiness — choose over-the-counter (OTC) products like:

• Hydrocortisone creams 

• Antifungal creams or nail lacquers

• Oral antifungal medications 

• Topical steroids 

• Immunosuppressants 

• Non-irritating lotions and moisturizers

In rare cases — like severe allergic reactions or infections — the nail may have to be removed to facilitate healthier regrowth.

For underlying health conditions 

If you suspect that an underlying condition causes the white spots on your nails, consult your doctor for a professional diagnosis first.

Depending on the results of your evaluation, your doctor can recommend an appropriate treatment strategy or suggest further testing. 

Preventing White Spots and Caring for Your Nails

Maintain proper nail hygiene 

Washing your hands and nails regularly with soap and water can help remove bacteria and chemicals from the skin.

This can guard against infections and adverse reactions that could cause white spots.

Also use clean, sharp nail clippers when cutting your nails. This can help prevent splitting, which reduces the risk of minor injury or trauma to the nail. 

Follow a balanced diet 

Ensuring that you consume enough nutrients through your diet can have a significant impact on your overall nail health. Try to eat foods high in the following nutrients:

• Zinc, found in meat, legumes, and nuts

• Calcium, found in dairy leafy greens

• Vitamin D from fatty fish and fortified foods 

• Biotin, found in eggs and almonds 

Following a well-balanced diet can also help you take care of your overall health, which can help prevent health conditions that may contribute to white spots on nails. 

Minimize exposure to chemicals

If you have sensitive skin, try to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals as much as possible. This could involve:

• Limiting professional nail treatments

• Opting for hypoallergenic products 

• Wearing gloves when doing activities like washing the dishes or cleaning 

Minimizing your exposure can help improve your nail health, which can reduce the likelihood of white spots developing. 

Avoid bad nail habits 

Bad nail habits can often cause minor trauma, contributing to white spots on the nail bed. These habits may include:

• Nail biting 

• Picking at your nails 

• Repeatedly tapping your nails against hard surfaces

Many of these habits may be a stress reaction, so explore healthier coping mechanisms if you find yourself struggling with stress or anxiety.

This can include working out more often, meditating, or taking a yoga class to improve mindfulness.  

Where Can You Learn More About Taking Care of Your Nails?

While it’s generally recommended to consult your nail technician about any nail concerns, LifeMD can help if you are worried about potential underlying health issues.

Make an appointment with LifeMD today to learn more about taking care of your overall health — all from the comfort of your home.

Harmony Vance, APRN

Harmony is a family nurse practitioner and has been caring for patients for over 20 years through various roles in the medical field. She graduated in 2018 with a Master's Degree and a focus on family care.

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