What Are White Spots on Nails? Causes and More (2024)

White spots on nails, or ‘‘leukonychia,’’ is a common condition. It could be a fungal infection, allergy, or a serious medical condition.White spots on nails are caused by various reasons, from allergies to underlying health conditions.Treatment for white spots on nails depends on the cause.

This article discusses the causes of white spots or lines, treatment, and how to prevent them.

White spots on nails are common, especially in children, and may appear on only one nail or several. They may also be temporary or permanent.

They are usually caused by injury to the nail and tend to disappear as the nail grows out.

Read more about nail, hair, and skin health.

White spots can occur for several reasons, from allergic reactions to underlying medical conditions.

There aremany types of leukonychia,depending on how white spots appear on your nails.

• Partial leukonychia: small, scattered white spots on the nail
• Longitudinal leukonychia: a vertical white band along the nail
• Transverse leukonychia: horizontal lines across the nail

You can further categorize leukonychia depending on whether there is damage to the nail or the bed below it. Leukonychia damages the nail. Damage to the nail bed is apparent leukonychia.

White spots that appear after using various nail products, including nail polish, remover, or hardeners, could be an allergic reaction. Chemicals used for acrylics or gel nails may also damage nails, causing white spots.

Fungal nail infections, called “onychomycosis,” affect about14% Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to sourceof the population. Onychomycosis may appear as a white spot, or it may turn the nail yellowish, brown, or green and cause thickening or cracking.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)says those more susceptible are older adults or those who have:

• diabetes
• circulation issues
• weak immune system
• nail injury or foot deformity
• fungal infections in other areas of the body

Fungal infections may be difficult to cure. In severe cases, a doctor may need to remove the nail. However, if antifungal treatment starts early, better results are possible.

Read more about fungal nail infections.

Nail trauma can cause white spots. This can be from:

• manicures or pedicures
• biting your nails
• injuries from hitting or pinching your fingers
• improper- or tight-fitting shoes

Leukonychia totalis causes all nails to turn white. It’s a rare genetic disorder that usually appears in newborns within their first month.

Some medications may cause white spots or lines on your nails. These can include:

• chemotherapy agents
• antibiotics
• lithium
• epilepsy drugs
• retinoids
• blood pressure medications

Several skin conditions may cause white spots or lines on the nails. A 2018 studyexamining various reasons for nail color changes found that skin disorders were some of the leading causes of leukonychia, with psoriasis accounting for 75% of cases.

Some medical conditions may present with white spots or lines on nails, including:

• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• kidney disease
• rheumatoid arthritis
• sickle cell anemia

You may want to contact your doctor if you notice white spots or lines on your nails. They may take nail clippings if they think your nails need further analysis.

The clippings will be sent to a laboratory to detect and identify fungal infections. Your doctor may also take a small piece of your nail to analyze, known as a biopsy.

If you have additional symptoms of leukonychia, your doctor may request blood tests to check for underlying diseases.

Your doctor will decide which treatment is best for you, depending on the cause of the white spots. The spot will disappear when your nail fully grows out if it’s from an injury or trauma.

If your doctor determines you have a fungal infection, they will prescribe antifungal medication.

If you have an underlying health condition that makes you more susceptible to white spots, and your medication may be causing them, speak with your doctor about possibly trying a different medication.

Applying a hydrating serum daily to your cuticles and nails will prevent dryness and encourage growth.

If possible, avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and cleaning products. Also, try to avoid frequent use of nail glue, nail polish remover, acrylic nails, and gels.

Artificial nails and frequent use of nail polish remover can damage Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source layers of your nails by causing dehydration.

Avoiding injury to your fingers and toes may help prevent white spots. Here are some suggested ways to help prevent white spots on nails:

• Wear gloves when using cleaning products.
• Wear proper fitting shoes that do not pinch your toes.
• Keep your hands and feet clean and dry.
• Avoid biting or picking your nails.
• Do not share nail clippers or other instruments.
• Do not walk barefoot in public showers or locker rooms.
• Get manicures or pedicures only at a salon that sterilizes its instruments after every use.
• Avoid overuse of nail products, especially nail polish remover.

Eating a balanced, nutritious diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and essential fatty acids will help provide the nutrients your nails, skin, and hair need.

Protein is especially important because a protein called “keratin” makes up your nails. Good sources of protein include:

• poultry and fish
• eggs
• beans
• nuts
• whole grains

If you cannot absorb enough nutrients from food, you may havemicronutrient deficiencies that may adversely affect your skin, hair, and nails.

There is no specific treatment for white spots or lines on your nails. It can be common and will usually disappear as your nails grow out.

However, in some cases, white areas may indicate an infection, allergy, or an underlying health condition. If you notice a sudden appearance of white spots, or they worsen, consider talking with a doctor.

They will conduct the tests to provide a diagnosis and a potential treatment plan.

Try to keep your hands and feet clean and dry, and eat a balanced diet to provide the nutrients to keep your nails strong.