Noah Sinclair
White spots on nails, known as leukonychia, are a common nail change. They are usually harmless and will go away in time, but they can sometimes indicate an underlying health condition such as liver disease or diabetes. Doctors refer to these spots as 'punctate leukonychia' and they typically result from injury to the nail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical term | Leukonychia |
| Severity | Usually not a problem, but can indicate a more serious health condition |
| Cause | Injury to the nail, vitamin deficiency, liver disease, diabetes, disorders of the nail bed |
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What You'll Learn
White spots on nails are called leukonychia
There are several types of leukonychia. Total leukonychia refers to a condition where the whole nail plate is totally white in colour. Partial leukonychia is where only parts of the nail are affected. Punctate leukonychia presents as small white spots. Longitudinal leukonychia presents as a white band down the nail. Striate or transverse leukonychia is where one or more horizontal lines appear across the nail, parallel to the lunula.
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White spots are usually harmless
White spots on nails are usually harmless and will go away in time. Doctors refer to this as "punctate leukonychia", which is the most common type of nail discolouration. It can affect the whole nail, but it more commonly only affects parts of the nail. These spots typically result from injury to the nail, such as picking your nails or slamming your finger. They often grow out on their own without treatment. However, in some cases, they may indicate other health conditions, such as liver disease or diabetes. If you are concerned about white spots on your nails, it is best to contact a healthcare professional.
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White spots can be caused by injury
White spots on nails are called "punctate leukonychia" by doctors. They are usually not a problem and will go away in time. They typically result from injury to the nail, such as picking your nails or slamming your finger. White spots resulting from injury often grow out on their own without treatment. However, in some cases, they may indicate other health conditions such as liver disease or diabetes. 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 can be a sign of an underlying health condition
White spots on nails, known as leukonychia, are very common. In most cases, they are not a problem and will go away in time. They typically result from injury to the nail, such as picking your nails or slamming your finger. However, in some cases, they may indicate other health conditions.
If the white spots are frequent or widespread, or if there are lines running through your nails, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider. White spots or nail colour changes can be a sign of a severe or worsening health condition, such as liver disease or diabetes.
There are several types of leukonychia. Total leukonychia refers to a condition where the whole nail plate is totally white in colour. Another type is partial leukonychia. Punctate leukonychia, which presents as small white spots, is the most common type. Longitudinal leukonychia, which presents as a white band down the nail, and striate or transverse leukonychia, where one or more horizontal lines appear across the nail, parallel to the lunula, are also possible.
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White spots can be caused by disorders of the nail bed
White spots on nails, or leukonychia, are very common. In most cases, they are not a problem and will go away in time. They are usually caused by injury to the nail, but they can also be caused by disorders of the nail bed, the tissue underneath the nail. This is known as apparent leukonychia.
Doctors may refer to white spots on the nails as 'punctate leukonychia'. There are several types of leukonychia. Total leukonychia refers to a condition where the whole nail plate is totally white in colour. Another type is partial leukonychia. Punctate leukonychia presents as small white spots. Longitudinal leukonychia presents as a white band down the nail. Striate or transverse leukonychia is where one or more horizontal lines appear across the nail, parallel to the lunula.
White spots on nails resulting from injury often grow out on their own without treatment. However, if the spots have formed due to an underlying condition, treatments recommended by a doctor may vary depending on the condition. It is important to contact a healthcare professional if you are concerned about white spots on your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Doctors refer to white specks on nails as 'punctate leukonychia'.
White specks on nails are usually caused by injury to the nail, but they can also be a sign of an underlying health condition such as liver disease or diabetes.
In most cases, white specks on nails are not a problem and will go away in time. However, if you are concerned about the appearance of white specks on your nails, you should contact a healthcare professional.
