Caleb Foster
White spots on nails are a common condition and are generally harmless. They often appear after bumping or biting your nails, but they may have other causes, including fungi, allergies, and certain medications. Treatment depends on the cause of the white spots. If you have white spots on your nails due to prolonged nail polish wear, you can try gently buffing the nail surface and treating the nail with a hydrating oil or Vaseline.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Allergies, trauma, fungal infections, poisoning, medications, dehydration, prolonged nail polish wear |
| Treatment | Antifungal medication, nail polish break, buffing, hydrating oil or Vaseline, moisturizers, hand creams |
| Prevention | Use nail polishes free of harmful ingredients, always use a base coat, avoid peeling off polish, limit length of time polish is kept on |
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What You'll Learn
Give your nails a break from polish
White spots on your nails are a common condition and are usually harmless. They can be caused by a number of factors, including trauma to the nail, nail fungus, allergies, and certain medications. If you suspect that your white spots are due to an injury, such as bumping or biting your nails, you may not need to see a doctor. Instead, try to avoid any harsh chemicals or nail polish removers and give your nails a break from polish.
If you think your white spots may be related to nail polish, it is recommended to take a break from polish for several weeks. During this break, it is important to nourish your nails with moisturizers and hand creams to replenish their moisture balance. Additionally, opt for nail polishes that are labelled "7-free" or higher, as these are free of the top toxic chemicals found in traditional nail polishes. Always use a base coat to protect your nail and avoid peeling off the polish, as this can lead to further damage.
While giving your nails a break from polish, you can gently buff the nail surface and treat it with a hydrating oil or Vaseline to help reduce the appearance of white spots. It is also important to be mindful of the length of time you keep your polish on, as prolonged wear can contribute to the formation of white spots. If you notice that your nails are discoloured, thickening, lifting, or showing other signs of infection, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist for further advice and treatment options.
In addition to giving your nails a break from polish, it is suggested to avoid harsh chemicals and constant exposure to drying agents like cleaning products. These can contribute to dehydration of the keratin molecules on the nail surface, leading to the formation of white spots. By taking a break from nail polish and being mindful of the products you use, you can help restore the health and appearance of your nails. Remember, if the white spots persist or worsen, it is always best to seek professional advice from a healthcare provider.
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Use a hydrating oil or Vaseline
White spots on your nails are usually harmless and are often caused by trauma to the nail, such as bumping or biting your nails, or even aggressive manicuring. They can also be caused by wearing nail polish for too long, using harsh nail polish removers, or exposing your nails to drying chemicals. In some cases, they may be caused by a fungal infection or an allergic reaction to nail products.
If the white spots on your nails are due to dehydration or prolonged nail polish wear, Dr. Stern recommends gently buffing the nail surface and then treating the nail with a hydrating oil or Vaseline. This can help to restore moisture to the nail and improve its appearance. It is also recommended to take a break from nail polish for several weeks and to opt for nail polishes that are free of potentially harmful ingredients, such as those labelled "7-free" or higher. These polishes are free of the top toxic chemicals found in traditional nail polishes, which can contribute to nail dehydration and discolouration.
Additionally, using a base coat can protect the surface of the nail and prevent direct contact between the nail and potentially irritating or allergenic nail polishes. It is important to avoid peeling off polish, as this can also contribute to the formation of white spots. While gentle buffing can help to remove superficial white spots, deeper spots located within the nail plate may not be so easily removed and will need to be grown out.
If you suspect that the white spots on your nails are due to a fungal infection, it is best to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Oral antifungal medications and topical treatments may be prescribed to address the infection. In some cases, blood tests or nail biopsies may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of the white spots.
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Identify and treat nail fungus
White spots on nails are usually harmless and are called leukonychia. They are often caused by injuries to the nail plate or nail matrix, such as bumping or hitting your nails, wearing shoes that are too tight, or biting your nails. However, they may also be caused by fungal infections, which can cause nails to become discoloured, thick, or cracked. If you suspect that you have a fungal infection, you should consult a healthcare professional. They will likely take a small sample from underneath your nail to analyse under a microscope and confirm the diagnosis.
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is notoriously challenging to treat. It may spread to the skin between your toes or other parts of your body. The treatment plan will depend on your symptoms and situation. Oral antifungal medications, such as terbinafine (Lamisil®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), or fluconazole (Diflucan®), are often recommended. These medications must be taken daily for several months or longer. Topical antifungal medications applied directly to the nail can also be used, and pairing them with oral drugs may enhance effectiveness. Your healthcare provider may also use lasers to treat the fungus, but these are not a cure and are typically not first-line treatments.
Practising good hygiene and foot care can reduce the likelihood of contracting toenail fungus and prevent its recurrence. It is advisable to avoid going barefoot in communal areas, such as public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools, as most people pick up the fungus in these environments. Wearing flip-flops in these areas can help prevent contact. Additionally, if you have a family member with foot or nail fungus, consider using a different shower or wearing flip-flops in the shower to minimise the risk of exposure.
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Avoid harsh nail treatments
White spots on your nails are usually harmless and are a common condition. They often appear after bumping or biting your nails, but they may have other causes, including fungi, allergies, and certain medications.
To avoid harsh nail treatments, it is important to be mindful of the products you use on your nails. Many nail polishes and treatments contain harsh chemicals that can weaken nails. Nail polish removers that contain acetone, for example, should be avoided as they can damage nails. Instead, opt for nontoxic nail polishes and acetone-free polish removers.
Additionally, be cautious of hand sanitizers, as the alcohol in them can dry out your nails, leading to brittleness. When using products like shampoo that aim to strip oils, try to avoid getting them on your nails. Similarly, when cleaning with harsh chemicals, wear rubber gloves to protect your nails from exposure to these chemicals.
If you are experiencing nail weakness, there are prescription-strength nail treatments available that can help strengthen your nails. There are also over-the-counter treatments, such as nail strengtheners with ingredients like keratin or wheat protein, that can help heal and strengthen weak and damaged nails.
Overall, being mindful of the products you use on your nails and opting for less harsh alternatives can help you avoid harsh nail treatments and maintain strong and healthy nails.
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Use a glass nail file
If you have white spots on your nails from nail polish, you can try using a glass nail file to remove them. Here's how to do it:
Start by gently filing the damaged parts of your nails with a glass nail file. Always file in one direction only, and be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid further damaging your nails. Focus on the textured or fuzzy areas of your nails, as these are the parts that need to be smoothed out.
After filing, you can apply a nail treatment product as a base coat. Look for something that will help strengthen and protect your nails, such as OPI Nail Envy. This will help nourish and restore your nails back to health. You can continue to use this as a base coat until your nails have fully grown out.
While your nails are healing, it's important to be mindful of the products you use. Avoid polishes that contain harsh chemicals, as these can further damage your nails. Instead, opt for polishes that are labelled "7-free" or higher, which means they are free of the top toxic chemicals found in traditional nail polishes.
Additionally, always use a base coat to protect your nails and avoid peeling off your polish, as this can lead to further damage. It's also a good idea to limit the amount of time you keep your polish on, as prolonged wear can contribute to the formation of white spots.
By following these steps and being gentle with your nails, you should be able to remove the white spots and restore your nails to their healthy state. Just remember that it will take some time for your nails to grow out completely, so be patient and consistent with your nail care routine.
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Frequently asked questions
White spots on nails are usually harmless and can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma to the nail, nail fungus, and prolonged nail polish wear. To remove these spots, you can try the following methods:
- Gently buff the nail surface and treat the nail with a hydrating oil or Vaseline.
- Give your nails a break from nail polish, nail polish remover, and harsh chemicals for several weeks.
- Use moisturizers and hand creams to replenish the moisture balance of the nails.
- Opt for nail polishes that are free of potentially harmful ingredients, such as those labeled "7-free" or higher.
- Always use a base coat to protect the surface of the nail.
- Avoid peeling off polish, as this can lead to keratin granulations.
White spots on nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Trauma to the nail matrix or nail plate, such as bumping or biting your nails, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or aggressive manicuring.
- Nail fungus, such as white superficial onychomycosis, which can cause small white dots that spread and affect the nail bed.
- Allergies to nail products, such as nail polish, gloss, hardener, or nail polish remover.
- Certain medications or exposure to toxic heavy metals, such as arsenic or lead.
If the white spots on your nails are due to trauma, they will usually grow out as your nail grows. This can take up to six to nine months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
White spots on nails are typically harmless and do not indicate a serious problem. However, if the spots are persistent or worsening, it is recommended to consult a doctor or healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
To prevent white spots on your nails, you can try the following:
- Avoid behaviours that may cause trauma to the nail, such as biting your nails or wearing ill-fitting shoes.
- Choose nail polishes that are free of harsh chemicals and always use a base coat to protect your nails.
- Limit the length of time you keep your nail polish on, as prolonged wear can contribute to the development of white spots.
- Avoid peeling off your nail polish, as this can lead to keratin granulations.
