White Spots In Fingernails

White spots in fingernails have been always a common problem. They are called “leukonychia”. Contrary to what people believe they are not caused by calcium or zinc deficiency nor by deficiencies in nutrients and vitamins. In most of the cases the white spots appear as results to injuries to the base of the nail that took place in the past. The white spots become visible about two and a half months after the injury, and by that time you might have forgotten about hurting your fingers. Hitting the door or table with your finger or even applying too much pressure on the matrix or base of the nail during manicure can lead to injures to fingernails and therefore to the appearance of white spots. Other causes for the white spots can be the result of allergic reaction to nail polish or hardener, use of excessive force in applying acrylic nails or even caused by nail infection.

Here are some ways to deal with the white spots in fingernails:

1. Let the fingernails grow and file or cut them carefully. White spots will eventually grow out with the fingernail.

2. When doing house chores use gloves to protect your fingernails.

3. Wash your hand often to get rid of bacteria which can cause infections, especially if you have small open wounds on your fingers.

4. Avoid aggressive manicure. Don’t cut or push back aggressively on your cuticles. This can injure the base of the fingernail. Keep manicure tools in good condition. Do not borrow such utensils from someone else because there is a very high risk of infection.

5. Avoid using your nails to open boxes, soda cans or jars. This can also cause trauma to fingernails and lead to the appearance of white spots.

6. Use high quality cosmetics to avoid allergies that can cause white spots. Use nail polish to cover the spots.

7. Apply moisturizers on your hands and fingernails.

8. Do not apply direct physical action to try to remove white spots from your fingernails and completely avoid nail discoloration treatments. These could cause more serious problems to fingernails.

Following proper nail care can prevent the appearance of white spots in fingernails. Although white spots in fingernails are harmless and temporary and will disappear as your nails grow, this process will take more than 8 months. There are cases when changes in the look of your nails will reflect the presence of disease, but these changes are usually more obvious than just white spots. Completely white nails are a sign of liver disease. However, other symptoms will be visible by the time this happens. If there are dramatic changes in your fingernails color you should consult a dermatologist as soon as possible.

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