Are white spots on nails a cause for concern? When should I see a doctor?

Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, a famous cosmetic dermatologist in New York (USA), will explain more about this phenomenon, according to the Real Simple news site.

What is leukonychia?

Many healthy people will get spots on their nails at some point. But this is usually not a sign of serious illness.

Leukonychia is a condition in which white lines or dots appear on the fingernails or toenails. It is very common and completely harmless.

White spots can appear as small specks on the nail, or they can be larger and spread across the entire nail. The spots can appear on one or more nails.

Causes of white spots

White spots or dots on fingernails are common and can be caused by a number of factors, including:

Skin or nail fungus: Skin conditions can affect the nails and lead to unusual spots on the nails. The first sign may be a few small white spots on the nails, which can grow and spread to the nail bed. The nails may peel, then become thick and brittle, according to Real Simple.

Genetic causes: Leukonychia can be a genetic condition, but this is rare.

Medications and poisoning: Certain medications can cause white spots on the nails. These include chemotherapy drugs for cancer and sulfonamides that treat bacterial infections.

Additionally, heavy metal poisoning, such as arsenic and lead, can cause lines to develop on your nails. If you experience other symptoms of heavy metal poisoning, see your doctor immediately. Blood tests can detect abnormal levels of these elements, according to the health news site Healthline .

Less common causes of white spots on nails include: Heart disease, kidney failure, pneumonia, iron deficiency (anemia), cirrhosis, diabetes, hyperthyroidism

Mineral Deficiencies: White spots or dots along the nail may appear if there is a deficiency of certain minerals or vitamins. The most common are zinc and calcium deficiencies. Your doctor will be able to determine if there is a mineral deficiency.

Medical conditions: Less common causes of white spots on nails include: Heart disease, kidney failure, pneumonia, iron deficiency (anemia), cirrhosis, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, according to Healthline .

When to see a doctor?

Although medical causes are possible, they are rare. And if the white spots do not appear frequently, there is no need to see a doctor.

But if the white spots persist, get worse, or there are other abnormalities on the nail, Dr. Frank recommends seeing a doctor soon to determine the cause, according to Real Simple.

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