Whether you like your nails covered in glossy and loud nail art designs, or if you're on your geometric patterns era, or even if you prefer sleek and elegant neutral nail colours, strong and healthy nails are the foundations for a great manicure.
One common problem that can pop up seemingly out of nowhere is white spots on the nail bed. But what causes these mystery spots? We asked the experts for the low down…
What causes white spots on nails?
Those white spots on nails, which are also known as leukonychia, can have various causes. People often think they're caused by some sort of vitamin deficiency, which they can be, but the most likely cause is damage to the nail bed, but not limited to. Some of the most common causes include:
- Trauma: Minor injuries to the nails, such as hitting them against a hard surface or biting them, can cause white spots to appear. These spots are usually harmless and will disappear as the nail grows out.
- Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of certain nutrients in the diet, such as zinc or calcium, can cause white spots to appear on the nails.
- Fungal infections: Fungal infections of the nails can cause white spots, as well as other symptoms such as thickening, discolouration, and separation of the nail from the nail bed.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may develop white spots on their nails as a result of an allergic reaction to certain chemicals or products.
- Psoriasis or eczema: Psoriasis and eczema can manifest in the nails as well as your skin, resulting in nail whitening. Nail psoriasis can also cause a variety of nail changes, including nail pitting, ridges, thickening, and discolouration. Eczema can cause Eczematous nail changes which include nail discolouration, ridges, thickening and pitting. Your best bet is to consult a dermatologist who will be able to advice on treatments.
- Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or even heavy metal (arsenic) poisoning can cause white spots on the nail plates.
- Medication side effects: Some medications can cause white spots in nails. These include chemotherapy medications used to treat cancer, sulfonamides used to treat bacterial infections, arthritis pain medication, diabetes medications etc.
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In most cases, white spots on the nails are harmless and will go away on their own. However, if you are concerned about the appearance of your nails or have other symptoms, it's a good idea to see a doctor or dermatologist for an evaluation. Whether you've accidentally bumped your nail bed, are a chronic nail tapper or have gone a bit hard on your cuticle work, “this will then trap air between the nail layers creating a bubble, which in time, will grow out”, says OPI Ambassador, Jenni Draper.
Do the white spots on nails appear on people from all complexions?
Yes. Leukonychia can appear on the nails of people of all complexions, from fair to dark skin. It has no correlation to a person's skin complexion and therefore can affect people from people from different races and ethnicities. If anything it might just manifest itself a little differently. Usually if your nail bed complexion is on the fair side it will be less distinguishable.
How are white spots on nails diagnosed?
Health professionals are able to quickly identify and diagnose the white spots on your nails as leukonychia if for any reason it doesn't appear obvious to you. During the consultation, the doctor should inspect your nails and ask about any recent injuries, exposure to chemicals or underlying health conditions that may be contributing to the loud appearance of those white spots.
In some cases, the doctor may perform additional tests or request blood work to check for nutricional deficiencies or other medical conditions that could be causing the leukonychia. If you see persistent and recurring white spots you don't seem to be able to get rid of, consult your doctor as it may be a underlying health issue manifesting through your nail beds.
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Can you file or buff white spots away?
While you can do this, Jenni advises against it as “over-buffing will cause other problems in the long-run.” If trauma is the cause and it started deep within the nail, you'll have to buff too many layers to truly wipe out the white, effectively weakening the nail even more.
How to get rid of white spots on nails?
According to Mavala’s in-house expert Lynn Gray, you'll also need to take particular care when working on your cuticles. “You need to take extra care around the cuticle area as if you are too heavy handed you can cause stress to the nails which will show as white spots, ridges, or weakness,” she says. “Use a cuticle remover once a week, apply around the area and wait for a few minutes to let the product dissolve the cuticle, you can then gently push back the cuticle with an orange stick wrapped in cotton wool. To make the contour of the nail look better and to keep the cuticles soft use a cuticle cream or oil every day, preferably in the evening before bed.”
Are there any products that will remove white spots?
If your white spots are caused by trauma to the nail, you'll just have to wait until it grow out. However, “if it’s from the use of gel or polish, then try gentle buffing and cuticle oil, like the OPI ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Oil, £17, Look Fantastic to protect and prevent”, says Jenni.
In fact, cuticle oil is the best way to prevent white spots appearing on the nails in the first place as it will hydrate and strengthen the nail. Jenny adds: “A good hydrating base coat will also help and should definitely be applied before polishing nails.”
Does food affect stronger nail growth?
When it comes to diet, white spots can be caused by certain deficiencies, although this is relatively rare. If you suspect this might be the cause, the best thing is to visit your doctor to take a look.
In the meantime, there are certain foods that help to strengthen nails. Yvonne Bishop Weston, a Harley Street Nutritionist, recommends proteins such as fish, nuts, seeds and beans, which will help to promote keratin, the main nail protein.
For more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona
