The nail is a flat, convex sheet whose function is to cover and protect the pulp of the fingers and toes. The white spots on nails are known as leukonychia and may appear partially or completely.
The appearance of common dotted leukonychia is very frequent, and there are numerous myths about its origin, some of which attribute it to a lack of calcium or nutrients. However, white spots generally occur as a result of minor trauma or aggressive manicures.
At FastlyHealwe explain to you what are the causes that can cause the appearance of white spots on the nails so that you know all the information about the factors that lead to this alteration.
Table of Contents
Why do the white spots form?
Blows and injuries to the fingers or nails often occur , and are generally insignificant. In most cases these lesions occur without our realizing it, however they are capable of modifying the keratin layers allowing air to enter between them, which causes the formation of white spots on the nails.
Does diet influence?
Although the appearance of white spots on the nails is popularly attributed to a lack of vitamins and minerals, these marks actually appear when bumps occur on the fingertips. As the nail grows, these spots move until they finally disappear.
Food can indirectly contribute to this condition, since a diet low in some nutrients can cause the nails to be more fragile and brittle , thus giving more fractures and small bumps in them. The more complete, balanced and nutritious our diet is, the less risk there are that the keratin of the nail will be injured.
Manicure, trauma or external aggressions
As we have mentioned before, the main cause of white spots on the nails of the hand or toe is small wounds, trauma to the nail matrix or can even be caused by an overly aggressive manicure that causes the keratin layers to slip. by producing small wounds at the root of the nail.
Therefore, if you have punctured leukonychia you should not worry since it is not a sign that appears as a result of improper nutrition or any other pathology. However, if this characteristic is accompanied by a more significant discoloration or is accompanied by high fragility in the nails, you should go to a specialist doctor to examine them and perform the necessary tests to rule out any medical alteration.
Prevent white spots on nails
Avoiding the formation of these signs is possible taking into account some recommendations, so to prevent white spots on the nails we suggest:
- Avoid habits that can weaken and damage them, such as biting your nails or tearing the cuticle.
- File the nails carefully, always in the same direction and without violence. In the same way, it is important to cut the nails gently, as a small trauma can cause these marks in the area.
- Moisturize the area daily using a good hand cream.
- Always protect your nails with a transparent shine before painting them in any color, this will help to strengthen them and keep them in good condition.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to White spots on nails: causes , we recommend that you enter our Well-being category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.