Everyone at some point of life has complaints of white spots on fingernails. Even though the problem is common, these marks have always remained a mystery because of the variation in the pattern of appearance. There are also a number of myths that surround these white spots on the fingernails. Usually, people suggest that the appearance of the white spots on the fingernails is a result of calcium deficiency, whereas others suggest it as a deficiency of nutrients and vitamins. Despite of these myths prevailing for a long time, none of these have been proven to be true.

The white spots that appear on the fingernails are called as leukonychia. The appearance of these white spots can be a result of a possible injury to the base of the nail, which is called as the matrix. Usually, these injuries would have occurred in the past, but the white spot on the fingernail takes time to appear. By the time that this white spot makes an appearance, you would have forgotten about the injury. A normal banging of the finger on the door or the countertop can result in the injury and the occurrence of white spot on the fingernail.

At times, an allergic reaction to a nail hardener, nail polish or even a remover can result in white spots. If you have used acrylic nails on your fingers, then they can result in trauma to the nail base during the application process. Also, having frequent manicures done can cause injury to the nails and result in the white spots. Sometimes, the white spots on the fingernails can also be an indication of a nail infection.

More often than not, these white spots on the fingernails are not a cause of worry and are most of the time are harmless. But, if you do not like these white spots on your fingernails, then you can consider doing the following things to get rid of these:

• Make use of a nail polish to cover these spots. You can try a light shade of pink or peach to cover these spots effectively.

• Keep your hands moist all the time and also moisten your fingernails frequently. Massage the lotion properly into the fingernails.

• If the skin around your fingernails seems to be dry, then massage some vitamin E oil on the fingernails and the side skin of the nails.

The white spots on the skin can be prevented by going through a proper nail maintenance procedure. If the white spot on your fingernail has been prevalent on your skin for a long time, and you are unable to rule out the cause for the same, then it is important that you visit your dermatologist. As mentioned, the white spots can be a result of a minor infection also, and only the dermatologist can tell you the cause for the same. Though the white spot itself cannot rule out an infection, but it can surely be an underlying cause of any other disease. If you spot any drastic change in your nail color, then it is advisable that you see your dermatologist soon.

Mark Perry

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