Caleb Foster
The white crescents on our nails are called lunulae, which is Latin for 'little moon'. They are the visible part of the nail matrix, the layer of living tissue at the base of the fingernail that secretes the keratin protein that makes up our nails. The lunula looks white because the epidermis is thicker beneath the matrix, blocking the pink colour from the blood vessels below.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Lunula |
| Description | The white crescent moon shape found at the bottom of the nails of your fingers and toes |
| Cause | The lunula is the visible part of the nail matrix. It covers the underlying blood vessels, which is why you can (or can’t) see a white crescent-shaped area shine through the transparent nail |
| Occurrence | In some people, the lunula barely protrudes and is only really visible on the thumb and big toe |
| Colour | The lunula looks white because the epidermis is thicker beneath the matrix and it blocks the pink colour from the blood vessels below |
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What You'll Learn
The white crescents on nails are called lunulae
The lunula is not always visible. In some people, it barely protrudes and is only really visible on the thumb and big toe. If you can't see it, it's probably covered by the cuticle.
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Lunulae are the visible part of the nail matrix
The white crescents on nails, also known as lunulae, are the visible part of the nail matrix. The nail matrix is a layer of living tissue at the base of the fingernail that secretes the keratin protein that makes up your nails. The lunula is the part of the matrix that pokes out from under the flesh of your finger. The thickness of the epidermis beneath the matrix blocks the pink colour from the blood vessels below, making the lunula appear white.
Not everyone has visible lunulae. In some people, the lunula barely protrudes and is only really visible on the thumb and big toe. If you can't see the lunula on your other fingers, it's probably covered by the cuticle.
The lunula can also be affected by a rare inherited disorder caused by a buildup of copper in the organs. This condition can cause the lunula to turn white, creating a nail that's half-brown and half-white.
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Lunulae are white because the epidermis is thicker beneath the matrix
The white crescents on nails are called lunulae, which is Latin for 'little moon'. They are the visible part of the nail matrix, which is made from keratin protein. The lunulae look white because the epidermis is thicker beneath the matrix, blocking the pink colour from the blood vessels below.
The lunula is the part of the matrix that pokes out from under the flesh of your finger. In some people, it barely protrudes and is only really visible on the thumb and big toe. The lunulae are usually covered by the cuticle, so if you can't see them, this is probably why.
The lunulae are not always white. In some people, they can turn blue, brown, or red. This can be a sign of a rare inherited disorder called Wilson's disease, which occurs when too much copper accumulates in the body's organs. It can also be a natural sign of ageing.
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Lunulae are not always visible
Lunulae, or the white crescents on nails, are not always visible. In some people, the lunula barely protrudes and is only really visible on the thumb and big toe. If you can't see the lunula, it's probably covered by the cuticle. The lunula is the visible part of the nail matrix, which is made from keratin protein. The white colour is caused by the epidermis being thicker beneath the matrix, blocking the pink colour from the blood vessels below. In some cases, the lunula may turn white due to a rare inherited disorder that occurs when too much copper accumulates in the organs.
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Lunulae can turn white as a result of a rare inherited disorder
The white crescents on nails are called lunulae. They are the visible part of the nail matrix, the layer of living tissue at the base of the fingernail that secretes the keratin protein that makes up nails. The lunula is white because the epidermis is thicker beneath the matrix, blocking the pink colour of the blood vessels below.
The portion of the nail containing the lunula may turn white, sometimes creating a nail that is half-brown and half-white. If you are concerned about the appearance of your nails, you should consult a doctor or dermatologist.
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Frequently asked questions
The white crescents on nails are called lunulae, which is Latin for 'little moon'.
The visibility of the lunula depends on how much it protrudes from under the flesh of the finger. In some people, it barely protrudes and is only really visible on the thumb and big toe.
If the lunula is not visible, it is probably covered by the cuticle.
