Isla Bennett
Calcium is an important nutrient for nail and bone health. However, calcium build-up on the toenails, also known as dystrophic nails, can be caused by calcium deposition in the skin and underlying tissue. This condition is known as calcinosis cutis and can result in the nails becoming dry and brittle. Calcinosis cutis can occur due to insufficient calcium in the diet or the body not absorbing calcium properly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Dystrophic nail or subungual calcification |
| Cause | Calcium deposition in the skin and underlying tissue |
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What You'll Learn
Calcium deficiency
Calcium is an important nutrient that plays a role in several bodily functions, including supporting nail and bone health. While calcium deficiency can cause dry, brittle nails, it is not the cause of white spots on toenails.
White spots on toenails can be caused by a few different things, and it is important to determine the exact cause to ensure proper treatment. In some cases, white spots on toenails can be a sign of calcium build-up in the skin and underlying tissue, known as calcinosis cutis. This condition can result in the deposition of calcium in the subcutaneous tissue, specifically on the digits and around joints.
Calcinosis cutis can occur in people of all ages, from infants to adults, and typically presents as non-tender, firm white lesions on the toes. Microscopic evaluation of tissue specimens obtained through biopsy can reveal foci of calcium in the dermis.
Dystrophic nails are another possible cause of calcium build-up on the toenails. This condition refers to an alteration in the physical appearance and structural properties of the nail, including changes in shape, colour, and texture. Dystrophic nails can lead to nail plate splitting, which occurs when the nail plate weakens and becomes brittle. While the exact cause of dystrophic nails is unknown, it may be related to trauma to the nail matrix or underlying calcium deposition.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you notice any changes in your toenails, as proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for maintaining nail health.
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Calcinosis cutis
In another case, a 55-year-old man presented with a split right thumbnail associated with subungual calcinosis cutis affecting the same digit for a duration of nine years. Microscopic evaluation of the tissue specimen obtained following a biopsy of the affected digit’s nail matrix showed foci of calcium in the dermis.
It is important to note that calcium deficiencies can also result in dry, brittle nails. This can be caused by insufficient calcium in the diet or the body not absorbing calcium properly.
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Dystrophic nails
Calcinosis cutis can be further divided into five subtypes: calciphylaxis, dystrophic, iatrogenic, idiopathic, and metastatic. Dystrophic calcinosis cutis is the most common type, where previously damaged tissue accumulates with insoluble calcium deposition, regardless of normal serum calcium and phosphorus levels. This can result in the deposition of calcium in the subcutaneous tissue, specifically on the digits and around joints, known as digital calcinosis circumscripta.
In one case, a 55-year-old man presented with a split right thumbnail associated with subungual calcinosis cutis affecting the same digit for a duration of nine years. Microscopic evaluation of the tissue specimen obtained following a biopsy of the affected digit’s nail matrix showed foci of calcium in the dermis.
It is important to note that calcium deficiencies can also result in dry, brittle nails. This can be caused by insufficient calcium in the diet or the body not absorbing calcium properly.
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Calcinosis circumscripta
Calcium build-up on the toenails is called calcinosis circumscripta, or calcinosis cutis. It is a condition that refers to the calcium deposition in the skin and underlying tissue.
The condition is characterised by dystrophic nails, which are alterations in the physical appearance and structural properties of the nail, such as changes in shape, colour, and texture. These changes can be caused by multiple factors, including trauma to the nail matrix.
While many people believe that white spots on toenails are caused by a lack of calcium in the diet, this is not the case. White spots on toenails can be caused by a few different factors, and it is important to determine the correct cause in order to treat the condition effectively.
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Calcium deposits
Calcinosis cutis can be caused by calcium deficiency, which results from insufficient calcium in the diet or the body not absorbing calcium properly. However, it is important to note that white spots on toenails are not always caused by a lack of calcium. They can be caused by several other factors, and determining the correct cause is essential for effective treatment.
Dystrophic calcinosis cutis is the most common type of calcinosis cutis, where previously damaged tissue accumulates with insoluble calcium deposition, regardless of normal serum calcium and phosphorus levels. This type of calcinosis cutis can occur even without a history of trauma to the affected area.
Treatment for calcium deposits on the toenails may vary depending on the underlying cause and can take a significant amount of time. Seeking medical advice is recommended to determine the appropriate course of action.
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Frequently asked questions
Calcium build-up on the toenails is called subungual calcification or dystrophic nails.
Calcium build-up on the toenails is caused by calcium deposition in the skin and underlying tissue.
Calcium build-up on the toenails can appear as white spots or lesions.
Treatment for calcium build-up on the toenails can take over a year of careful treatment. It is important to first determine the underlying cause of the calcium build-up to ensure effective treatment.
While it may not be possible to completely prevent calcium build-up on the toenails, maintaining adequate calcium intake and ensuring proper absorption of calcium by the body may help reduce the risk.
