Why Do You Get White Spots On Your Nails?

Why do you get white spots on your nails? Leukonychia is the official scientific name that refers to the  formation of white spots on one’s nails. 

Why do you get white spots on your nails

There are different types and reasons. However, it is not proven to be a sign of calcium deficiency as many believe.

In this article, we want to tell you all about why white spots appear on one’s nails.

It’s very exciting!

The myth of white spots on one’s nails

It is very likely that at some point in your life you have looked at your nails and spotted them: small white spots or streaks that form on your nails.

Our grandparents may have said that they are a result of the lies we tell. Maybe our parents told us we needed to drink more milk because we needed more calcium.

But  none of these theories are the truth.

That’s why it’s time for us to figure things out and learn why it’s  really  happening.

Leukonychia  can occur at any time and disappear just as quickly. It can be divided into four categories:

1. Punctata

There are small marks that spread up and down one’s fingernail. They usually occur in one’s childhood. This is due to minor, recurrent damage.

2. Striata

This is when parallel and transverse bands occur. They are more common in women. They are caused by  damage from aggressive manicures. They may also be due to  chemotherapy.

Partly

This affects a specific area of ​​the nail. Typically, they occur on the  tip of one’s nails.

4. Total

This is when the entire nail has a whitish and almost homogeneous appearance. This is  a rare condition. It can occur at birth or at an early age. In most cases, it is hereditary.

A lack of zinc and stains on one’s nails

These white spots are NOT the result of not getting enough calcium. However, there is one thing we are right about: We lack a nutrient.

The white streaks and spots  form at the roots of the nail. They keep moving forward as the nail grows.

Lack of zinc may be the source of the problem. When the nail matrix is ​​destroyed, then it is that one will see white spots.

Leukonychia can also be due to illness or a health problem. E.g:

• Psoriasis
• Ulcer
• Ulcerative colitis
• Nephritis

Not getting certain nutrients  can also increase the likelihood of white spots. This is because they help with the growth and development of fingernail substances.

Some of these are:

• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin A
• Iron
• Zinc

If lack of these nutrients gives us white spots because they affect the formation of nails, then it  can also make them weak and fragile. As a result, they are more susceptible to suffering from damage that leaves marks.

Why do you get white spots on your nails: Other reasons

These marks are not dangerous. But they do not look nice. This is especially the case for women.

However, there can be other causes: they can come from  irritation and damage to the nail matrix. This causes a different and abnormal quarantine.

We need to keep in mind that fingernails grow 2.5 millimeters a month. Because of this, we know when it happened when we see a spot in the middle of our nail. The injury happened two or three months earlier.

We do not see it before because it is so close to the cuticle.

Of course, there are  some habits and actions in everyday life that can produce leukonychia. They can even happen even when we are aware of what we are doing.

Among them we find:

• To bite nails  or cuticles.
• Manicures  that are too aggressive (for example, by using chemicals).
• To make some kind of needlework.

• To cut nails  too often.
• Writing  too hard on computer.
• Drumming  with your fingertips on the table.
• Applying  strong chemicals  without gloves.
• Always  have nail polish on  his nails.

This is how you can avoid white spots on your nails

There are currently  no treatments for leukonychia. There is only one way to get rid of its spots on the nails. You have to  wait until they grow enough, then you can cut them or file them down.

When this happens, you can either apply nail polish or use gloves if you can not keep the lines on your nails out.

It is worth mentioning that there are times when one should go to a dermatologist. These involve  if one has white spots on his nails. Or if they become very clear and become less transparent.

This may be due to permanent problems with the nail matrix.

If you do not want to see all these “little clouds on your nails”, then you have to:

• Apply good hygiene and keep your nails hydrated.
• Avoid nail polish and aggressive treatments.
• Let his nails rest between each time with nail polish (wait  at least a day  before putting it on again).
• Use gloves to clean (plates, floors, bathroom, kitchen, etc.)
• Treat his nails with care,  and not just the tips. More than anything else, one should take care of one’s cuticles and roots.
• Eat foods that are rich in zinc, such as dried fruits and wheat germ.
• Eat vitamin A daily. One can find it in carrots, pumpkins and pears.