White Spots on Nails: What Does It Mean?

White spots on nails, or leukonychia, are common things that can be seen on the outer surface of the nails. These white dots are visible on both fingernails and toenails and in different shapes and sizes.

Though it is common, you should not be ignorant about this. People often wonder what these spots signify, the reason behind the sudden occurrence of these spots, and what the underlying health problems behind these are.

So, in this write-up today, we will uncover the meaning of white spots on nails and the reason behind them. You will also know the relationship between vitamin deficiency in the human body, discover the actual health issues relating to these dots and dispel myths. Moreover, you will understand the white nail causes, their significance, and their implications.

Types of White Spots on Nails

Nail white spots manifest different forms, such as marks, irregular dots, and discontinuous lines. And at the same time, they represent different underlying reasons, so let’s find that out –

White Spots: If the white spots are small in size and the colour appears milky white on the nail plate, these are harmless and occur because of trauma to the nail plate or the nail matrix that makes the nail plate. 

White Marks: When the white marks are similar to the white dots on nails. They are caused due to injuries or minor trauma occurring to the nail matrix. Sometimes, they appear larger and more noticeable.

White Lines: These are also known as Muehrce’s lines. These bands appear horizontally on the width of a nail, and they indicate systematic conditions related to health issues, such as poor liver health.

White Dots: Regular nail white dots are also known as punctate leukonychia. They are smaller than the usual white dots on the surface of a nail.

White Nail Causes

Terry’s nails, or the white nails, are characterised by whitish or purely white dots on the nail surface. Now, potential health issues which they reflect are liver disease, kidney damage, heart disease, high blood sugar level, malnutrition, or severe anaemia.

Moving on, one of the most common reasons behind white dots on nails is iron deficiency in the body, a prevalent issue leading to various other symptoms. When there is a deficiency of iron elements in the body, round and pale spots, or completely white spots called leukonychia punctata, appear on the nail surface.

Sometimes, fungal infections can cause spots on the matrix or the external surface of the nails. Cuts, bruises, and use of harsh chemicals on the nails can be the reason for these spots. 

Connection Between White Spots on Nails and Vitamin Deficiency

A common myth regarding white spots on nails is that they signify vitamin and essential mineral deficiencies in the body.

However, this is not entirely true; they are not reliable indicators of poor health conditions always. White spots on nails and vitamin deficiency are sometimes interrelated. Nonetheless, to some extent, nutrition deficiency can be determined by the white spots.

For example, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, or calcium deficiency can make the nails weaker and prone to damage, and pale spots form on the surface of the nails. Thus, the white spots can address underlying nutritional deficiencies, and you can go for a check-up for further diagnosis and decide the course of treatment.

Dispelling Myth Related to White Spots on Nail

White nail spots are often related to various myths and superstitions. Even though the white spots on nails myth states that they correspond to telling a lie to an individual. In reality, they are typically harmless and occur due to minor trauma on the matrix and surface of the nail. The spots, on the other hand, generally disappear as the nails grow over time. 

Conclusion

Though the white spots on nails can indicate different health issues, they are typically harmless and temporary. Usually, they appear due to minor trauma or not-so-serious factors. However, if you notice the constant appearance of white dots on nails, you should immediately consult the doctor for an accurate diagnosis of underlying health-related issues. A medical expert will be able to determine the white spots on nails meaning, and the cause behind the spots, and suggest appropriate guidance if needed.

Having said that, you can maintain the general health of your nails by proper hygiene, avoiding excessive manicuring, guarding the nails from injuries, and eating healthy foods that provide nutrition.