Sophia Delgado
White spots on nails, also known as leukonychia, are often believed to be caused by calcium or iron deficiency. However, this is no longer considered true. While iron deficiency can cause nail changes, it usually results in thin, raised ridges and inward-curving nails rather than spots. Leukonychia can be caused by various factors, including trauma, inflammatory skin diseases, and, in rare cases, ingestion of certain poisons such as arsenic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Injury to the nail |
| Other causes | Iron, zinc, or calcium deficiency |
| Other causes | Arsenic, thallium, or strontium poisoning |
| Other causes | Leukoderma |
| Other causes | Alopecia areata |
| Other causes | Psoriasis |
| Other causes | Chemotherapy |
| Other causes | Retinoids |
| Other causes | Opioids |
| Other causes | Sulfa drugs |
| Other causes | Medications that prevent organ rejection |
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What You'll Learn
Calcium deficiency is no longer believed to cause white spots on nails
White spots on nails, known as "punctate leukonychia", are usually caused by trauma or injury to the nail. In some cases, they may indicate other health conditions, such as inflammatory skin diseases like nail psoriasis and hand eczema, or leukoderma, which causes white patches under the nails. While it was previously believed that calcium deficiency could cause white spots on nails, this is no longer thought to be the case. Iron deficiency can cause nail changes, but these usually manifest as thin, ridged, and inward-curving nails rather than spots.
Punctate leukonychia is the most common clinical presentation of leukonychia, especially in children. The pattern and number of spots may change as the nail grows, and they often grow out on their own without treatment. However, if the spots are caused by an underlying condition, treatment may be necessary. People who are concerned about white spots on their nails should consult a healthcare professional.
While calcium deficiency is not linked to white spots on nails, mineral and vitamin deficiencies can still be a factor. Zinc deficiency, in particular, is commonly associated with this issue. A doctor can determine if an individual is at risk for any mineral or vitamin deficiencies and recommend appropriate treatment or preventative measures.
In rare cases, white spots on nails can indicate the ingestion of certain poisons, such as arsenic, thallium, or strontium. They may also be a side effect of certain medications, including retinoids, opioids, sulfa drugs, and medications used to prevent organ rejection. For individuals undergoing chemotherapy, white spots on the nails may develop as a result of the treatment.
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White spots on nails can be caused by zinc deficiency
White spots on nails are commonly believed to be a sign of calcium deficiency. However, this is a myth. White spots on nails are actually caused by zinc deficiency.
Zinc is a "micro trace mineral" that is required by the body, especially the heart, bones, and lungs. The body cannot store zinc, which is why it is crucial.
White spots on nails are referred to as "punctate leukonychia" by doctors. They are usually caused by trauma or injury to the nail. However, they may also indicate other health conditions, such as inflammatory skin diseases like nail psoriasis and hand eczema.
If you are concerned about white spots on your nails, it is recommended that you contact a healthcare professional.
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White spots on nails can be caused by inflammatory skin diseases
White spots on nails, also known as "punctate leukonychia", are usually caused by trauma or injury to the nail. However, they can also be caused by inflammatory skin diseases, such as nail psoriasis and hand eczema, which can affect the nail matrix and lead to abnormal spots in the nail plate. Leukoderma, a condition that causes white patches under the nail, may also be mistaken for white spots in the nail itself.
In addition, white spots on nails can be a sign of mineral or vitamin deficiencies, particularly zinc and calcium deficiency. Although it was previously believed that white spots on nails were caused by a calcium or iron deficiency, this is no longer thought to be the case. Iron deficiency can cause nail changes, but these usually manifest as thin, ridged, or curved nails rather than spots.
It is important to note that white spots on nails can also indicate the ingestion of certain poisons, such as arsenic, thallium, or strontium. In some cases, they may be a side effect of chemotherapy or medications such as retinoids, certain opioids, sulfa drugs, and organ rejection medications.
Most often, white spots on nails are not a cause for concern and will go away over time. However, if you are concerned about the appearance of white spots on your nails, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. They can determine if the spots are related to an underlying condition and provide appropriate treatment or advice.
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White spots on nails can be caused by injury
It was previously believed that white spots on nails were caused by a calcium or iron deficiency. However, this is no longer thought to be true. While iron deficiency can cause nail changes, it usually does not result in spots. Instead, people with iron deficiency may have nails that are thin, have raised ridges, and curve inward.
Similarly, while zinc deficiency is commonly linked to white spots on nails, it is not the only cause. Inflammatory skin diseases, like nail psoriasis and hand eczema, can also affect the nail matrix and lead to abnormal spots in the nail plate.
In rare cases, white spots on nails may be a sign of ingesting certain poisons, such as arsenic, thallium, or strontium. They can also be a side effect of certain medications, including retinoids, opioids, sulfa drugs, and drugs used to prevent organ rejection.
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White spots on nails can be caused by arsenic poisoning
White spots on nails, also known as 'punctate leukonychia', are usually not a problem and will go away in time. They typically result from injury to the nail. However, in some cases, they may indicate other health conditions. For example, white spots on nails can be a sign of arsenic poisoning.
Arsenic has an affinity for keratin, which is found in fingernails. Therefore, when arsenic levels build up in the body, it can accumulate in the nail bed and cause a visual symptom. This presents as horizontal, white bands across the nails, known as Mees' lines. These lines are a common symptom of arsenic poisoning and can be a retrospective indicator of a pathologic state. They take some weeks to manifest, as fingernails grow about 1 mm every 6-10 days.
While multiple lines may be due to multiple episodes of arsenic ingestion, an alternate theory suggests that they do not necessarily reflect the number of episodes of ingestion. Instead, the lines may be band-like precipitations of arsenic due to alternate diffusion and nucleation of relatively concentrated arsenic within the nail matrices (Liesegang’s phenomenon).
Other symptoms of arsenic poisoning include skin issues like rashes or swelling, abdominal pain, muscle cramps, peripheral neuropathy, digestive upset, and headaches. If you suspect arsenic poisoning, it is important to get a urine test to find out for sure.
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Frequently asked questions
No, white spots on nails, known as leukonychia, are usually caused by trauma or injury to the nail.
Leukonychia can be caused by inflammatory skin diseases, such as nail psoriasis and hand eczema, or by ingesting certain poisons, such as arsenic.
In most cases, leukonychia is not a problem and will go away in time. However, if you are concerned about white spots on your nails, it is best to contact a healthcare professional.
