What do white spots on nails mean?
White spots on nails, also known as leukonychia, are quite common and can occur for a variety of reasons. While they are often harmless, there are a few potential causes to consider:
1. Minor Trauma or Injury
Cause: The most common reason for white spots is minor trauma to the nail matrix (the area beneath the base of the nail), which can happen from banging your nail or pushing it too hard.
What to Expect: The spots may appear a few days after the injury and grow out as the nail grows.
2. Nutrient Deficiencies
Cause: Deficiencies in certain nutrients, particularly zinc, calcium, or protein, can sometimes manifest as white spots on nails.
What to Expect: Improving your diet to include more of these nutrients may help prevent the spots from recurring.
3. Allergic Reaction to Nail Products
Cause: An allergic reaction to nail polish, nail hardeners, or other chemicals can cause white spots to appear.
What to Expect: If the spots are associated with nail products, discontinuing their use may lead to improvement.
4. Fungal Infections
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