What do white spots on nails mean? Where do they come from and how to treat them?

White spots on nails – what do they indicate? Types of white discoloration on nails

If you notice regular or less regular white spots, discolorations or lines on your nails (fingernails or toes), do not ignore it. Very often, the symptoms are completely harmless, but sometimes the cause is some health problem that needs to be combated as soon as possible. That's why you should take a closer look at them.

What types of white spots are there?

1. Narrow scratches
   These white spots on nails are probably small cracks caused by mechanical damage. They often accompany the splitting of the nail plate, indicating a lack of certain vitamins or minerals or the nail's brittleness. Less common reasons may include biting nails, using files with too high gradation, incorrectly performing hybrid manicures, etc.
   The tile becomes extremely delicate and susceptible to progressive cracking in the place of the scratch. Therefore, when struggling with this type of white discoloration on nails, it is worth reaching for appropriate dietary supplements containing, among other things, biotin and oils that make the nail plate more elastic and stronger. Moreover, it is important to file your nails diligently. Remember: the shorter the nail, the lower the risk of mechanical damage.
2. Transverse spots, i.e. leukonychia
   Leukonychia, or in other words, vitiligo of nails, may be the result of deficiencies of certain minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium or copper), hypercalcemia (i.e. excess calcium in the body), poisoning with lead, mercury or other heavy metals, and many skin diseases, including alopecia areata, erythema and psoriasis.
   It is very important not to underestimate the symptoms of leukonychia. Do you suspect this type of white spots on your nails? Go to a dermatologist as soon as possible.
   
3. White bumps
   If you notice white bumps on your nails, be sure to take a closer look at the ingredients of the products you apply to them. Varnishes and other cosmetics, such as conditioners that contain formaldehyde or toulon among their ingredients, as well as nail polish removers containing acetone, are harmful to your nail plate. As a result of chemical damage, white discoloration appears on it, combined with tissue growth. Calluses may also be associated with nail fungus.
   In such situations, you should: immediately discontinue using products that are harmful to the nail plate, avoid contact with detergents and give your nails time to regenerate by stopping using hybrid, acrylic or gel manicure or pedicure services for a few months. Moreover, in many cases, we should consult this problem with a dermatologist or a podiatrist when it comes to toenails.
   

Where do white spots on nails come from? Causes of discoloration

The causes of white spots on nails (not dividing them into specific types) may be as follows:

• Mechanical damage
• Deficiencies of zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium or copper
• Excess calcium
• Using nail polishes or conditioners that contain ingredients that are harmful to the nail plate
• Some skin diseases
• Nail fungus
• Heavy metal poisoningKidney or liver failure.

Check out: Onycholysis of nails – what is it, how does it manifest itself and how can it be curbed? 

Treatment of white spots on nails. How to get rid of them?

As one of the most common causes of white spots on nails are mineral deficiencies, it is often enough to supplement them with dietary supplements. It is best to use zinc, copper or magnesium according to the recommendations of a doctor or dietitian. Do not exceed the prescribed daily doses, and take supplementation conscientiously and regularly, patiently waiting for its effects.

In addition to minerals, other key ingredients for the condition of the nail plate are B vitamins: strengthening biotin (vitamin B7), nutritional niacin (vitamin B3) and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), which accelerates nail growth.

A good step to work not only internally but also externally is to apply a vitamin conditioner, which provides the nails with a huge energy boost like a vitamin cocktail, regenerating the nail plate, strengthening it and protecting it against damage.

White spots on nails – what to eat?

Each nail disease requires, in addition to appropriate treatment, a nutritious diet so that combating it is as quick and effective as possible. If you have a problem with white spots on your nails, it is worth reaching for nutritional products rich in protein, such as meat, eggs or soy, and rich in biotin: liver, salmon, peanuts and sweet potatoes.

Moreover, if nail disease is caused by a deficiency of particular minerals in the body, you should ensure that your diet includes products rich in them.

• In case of calcium deficiency, reach for dairy products, fish, legumes and green vegetables.
• If you lack magnesium, increase your daily portions of green vegetables, nuts and seeds, and whole grain products and drink mineral water with a high magnesium content.
• If you suffer from zinc deficiency, increase the amount of meat, cheese, eggs, nuts, and whole grains in your meals.
• In case of potassium deficiency, it is worth reaching for dairy products, legumes, vegetables and fruits.
• Copper deficiency is perfectly complemented by yeast, liver and sesame.