White Spots on the Nails because looking good is not only a matter of aesthetics but also of self-esteem. So white spots on the nails have been a concern for both women and men.
Certain studies show that these unsightly white spots on the nails are called Leukonychia. Let’s see what it is, why they appear and how we can eliminate them.
Table of Contents
What is Leukonychia?
Perhaps you have noticed the appearance of some white spots, and then with the passing of days, you realize that they are no longer there. It is scientifically called Leukonychia, but it is more than a disease. It is a sign due to the lack of keratin in the nails. Is not a grave condition, but it can be an aesthetic problem.
This problem can stop nail growth for a short time and can be caused by physical or emotional conditions. It may even be due to constant stress or extreme contact with the cold.
How Nails Grow & Why White Spots Appear
Nail Growth & Structure
| Nail Part | Function | Role in Leukonychia |
| Nail Matrix | Produces new nail cells | Injury here causes white spots |
| Nail Plate | Visible hard nail | Traps air bubbles |
| Nail Bed | Supplies nutrients | Affected by deficiencies |
| Cuticle | Protects matrix | Damage increases risk |
Dermatology studies show leukonychia originates in the nail matrix, not on the surface of the nail.
Causes of Nail Matrix Disruption
| Cause | Frequency |
| Minor trauma | Very High |
| Nutrient deficiency | Medium |
| Chemical exposure | Medium |
| Systemic disease | Low |
Symptoms of Leukonychia
Leukonychia usually appears as white dots, lines, or patches on the nails. In most cases, it does not cause pain or discomfort and slowly grows out with the nail.
Common symptoms include:
- Small white dots or streaks on one or more nails
- Chalky or cloudy white patches
- Normal nail thickness and texture
- No pain or swelling in mild cases
In rare cases, nail discoloration may be accompanied by brittleness, splitting, or changes in nail shape, which may indicate an underlying condition.
It Is Necessary to know that There are Two Types Of Leukonychia:
Total or punctual leukonychia is when the nail completely discolours, leaving it white. It is sporadic. It may be due to genetics or a health problem in some cases.
Partial leukonychia is when it only appears as small spots or white dots on or below the one. It is the most common.
Clinical Classification of Leukonychia
Medical Classification
| Type | Appearance | Associated Cause |
| Punctata | White dots | Minor trauma |
| Striata | Horizontal lines | Stress, illness |
| Totalis | Entire nail white | Genetic/systemic |
| Partialis | Partial whitening | Matrix damage |
Over 90% of cases are leukonychia punctata, which is harmless.
Distribution of Leukonychia Types
| Type | Percentage |
| Punctata | 90% |
| Striata | 6% |
| Partialis | 3% |
| Totalis | 1% |
Why Are White Spots On The Nails?
The nails are composed of keratin and amino acids, which allow their growth and hardening.
Now, the nails are made up of different layers, so when we suffer a blow or expose the nail to some action for a long time, air bubbles tend to form between these layers, which end up in the appearance of those annoying little one’s spots. But there is no need to care because they disappear in a short time.
Common Causes of White Spots on Nails (Ranked by Evidence)
Causes Ranked
| Cause | Evidence Strength | Explanation |
| Minor nail trauma | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Air bubbles form |
| Nail biting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Matrix injury |
| Harsh chemicals | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Keratin damage |
| Nutrient deficiency | ⭐⭐⭐ | Delayed healing |
| Systemic disease | ⭐⭐ | Rare |
Most Common Causes of White Nail Spots
| Cause | Prevalence |
| Trauma | Very High |
| Nail habits | High |
| Chemicals | Medium |
| Nutrition | Medium |
| Disease | Low |
Causes For Which These Spots Appear, Such As:
- A deficit in food or a very aggressive diet stops consuming foods rich in folic acid , iron, vitamin B12 , zinc, and calcium.
- They were biting nails and cuticles or cutting them a lot.
- Constant tapping on the nails, typing very hard on the computer keyboard.
- Effective treatments, such as chemotherapy
- Hormonal alterations.
- Allergies to certain substances, perhaps without knowing it, the nail polish is causing a problem, or it may be the cleaning products.
- A consequence of other pathologies.Conditions such as anaemia, psoriasis, kidney disease, tuberculosis, or the look of nail fungus can cause white spots on the nails.
- It is significant to message that you should see a doctor when the spot is very large or turns very yellow and there is no apparent cause.
White Spots on Nails Vitamin Deficiency
It is sometimes linked to a lack of important vitamins and minerals. When your body does not get sufficient nutrients, nails can become brittle, weak, or develop spots.
Common nutrient deficiencies that affect nails:
| Nutrient | Role in Nail Health | Food Sources |
| Zinc | It is important for nail growth and repair | Nuts, Pumpkin seeds, legumes, and meat |
| Iron | It Helps oxygen flow to nails for proper growth | Red meat, lentils, Spinach and eggs |
| Vitamin B12 | Promotes cell restoration and healthy nail formation | Eggs, dairy products and Fish |
| Calcium | Strengthens nails and prevents brittleness | Cheese, Milk, and yogurt. |
| Protein | Builds keratin, the main component of nails | Beans, tofu, lentils and Chicken |
| Folic Acid | It supports healthy cell formation in nails | Avocado, Leafy greens, and citrus fruits |
Tip: If you Including nutrients in your daily diet or taking supplements which is recommended by a doctor will can reduce white spots and promote stronger, healthier nails.
Pro Insight: While vitamin deficiency can contribute to white spots, minor trauma is still the most mutual cause of leukonychia.
White Spots on Nails & Nutritional Deficiency
Nutrient Impact
| Nutrient | Deficiency Effect | Nail Impact |
| Zinc | Slows healing | Persistent spots |
| Iron | Reduced oxygen | Weak nail bed |
| B12 | Poor cell turnover | Brittle nails |
| Protein | Low keratin | Thin nails |
| Calcium | Structural weakness | Breakage |
Deficiencies do not directly cause leukonychia, but slow recovery.
Nail Recovery Time With vs Without Proper Nutrition
| Weeks | With Nutrition | Without Nutrition |
| 2 | Visible improvement | No change |
| 4 | Spot fading | Mild |
| 6 | Clear nail | Partial |
Are White Spots on Nails a Sign of Serious Disease?
Maximum white spots on nails are not dangerous and are caused by minor injuries or external factors. However, medical attention is optional if:
- White discoloration affects multiple nails
- Nails turn yellow, brown, or grey
- Spots are combined with thickening or crumbling
- There is a history of kidney, liver, or autoimmune disease
- In such cases, nail changes may signal internal health issues rather than simple leukonychia.
Red Flag Symptoms Table
| Nail Change | Possible Condition |
| Yellowing | Fungal infection |
| Thickening | Psoriasis |
| Spoon-shaped nails | Iron deficiency anemia |
| Entire nail white | Liver/kidney issues |
| Crumbling | Onychomycosis |
Serious vs Harmless Nail Changes
| Condition Type | Percentage |
| Harmless leukonychia | 95% |
| Underlying disease | 5% |
Can Leukonychia Be Eliminated?
Keep in mind that a certify treatment has not yet found that quickly removes nail stains and thus improves their aesthetics since these usually disappear on their own.
As one of the reasons of white spots on the nails is a diet deficient in minerals and vitamins, it is suggested to supply the body with calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which can be acquired from foods such as milk and meat, strawberries, etc.
You can also routine food supplements that contain these nutrients, such as SUPRADYN ACTIVE, which delivers you with a complex of vitamins from groups B, C, D, E, A, K, and biotin, as well as minerals.
Nutrient Deficiencies Linked to White Spots on Nails
| Nutrient | Role in Nail Health | Food Sources |
| Zinc | Nail growth and repair | Nuts, seeds, legumes |
| Iron | Oxygen delivery to nail bed | Spinach, red meat |
| Vitamin B12 | Cell regeneration | Eggs, dairy, fish |
| Calcium | Nail strength | Milk, yogurt |
| Protein | Keratin formation | Lentils, chicken |
Deficiencies may not cause leukonychia alone but can delay nail healing.
Home Remedies To Remove White Spots On Nails?
- You can use natural alternatives to provide treatment for white spots on nails.
- Tea tree oil can reduce the appearance of white spots on the nails. However, you have to file the nail a little and apply a few drops every night.
- Take jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, almond oil and a vitamin E capsule, mix everything and apply it to your nails every morning and night. Not only will you bring your nails back to life, but they will also make them a little more challenging.
- Rub a slice of lemon and let the juice begin to act for about 30 min. It helps because this fruit contains abundant vitamin C.
- Submerge in white vinegar and water. Doing this at least four times a week can reduce blemishes.
How To Avoid Stains On The Nails?
- Regardless of everything, the nails adorn our hands, and we want them to look good. So here we share some recommendations to avoid or reduce the appearance of white spots on the nails.
- Evade blows to the nails and control anxiety. Although continuous hitting can cause this symptom, at the similar time, nail-biting can be a sign of stress.
- Stay hydrated. Water is a brilliant helper for the health of the body, and you can make your nails healthy.
- Dirty nails produce fungi, and it bring those stains that spoil the hands.
- Good nutrition. Try to keep a balanced diet. In addition, you can use food supplements that deliver you with the minerals you need.
- Altogether remove nail polish.
- Don’t use powerful chemicals like bleach.
Treatment Timeline – What to Expect After White Spots Appear
Nail Growth & Spot Disappearance
| Time | Nail Change |
| 2–3 weeks | Spot moves upward |
| 6–8 weeks | Fading visible |
| 3–6 months | Completely gone |
White Spot Movement With Nail Growth
| Month | Spot Position |
| 0 | Base |
| 1 | Mid nail |
| 3 | Near tip |
| 6 | Gone |
Conclusion
Dermatological researches advise that leukonychia is usually associated with nail matrix injury rather than systemic disease, making it a mainly harmless condition in healthy individuals.
As you may have noticed, Leukonychia is not a severe condition and can be eliminate independently. Sure, in exceptional cases, it can appear due to other diseases. However, this symptom of white spots on nails vitamin deficiency has a solution. So take care of the health of your hands with impeccable nails!