White spots on the nails can be a common problem for many people. Several possible causes of white spots on the nails include health conditions, nutrient deficiencies, fungal infections, and environmental factors. In some cases, white spots on the nails may be a sign of a more serious underlying problem, and it is important to speak with a healthcare provider if you are concerned about your nail health.
Several natural remedies can help address white spots on the nails. These remedies may include dietary changes, the use of natural supplements, and changes to your nail care routine. This article will discuss some of the most effective natural remedies for addressing white spots on the nails.
Do White Spots on Nails Go Away?
Yes, white spots go away. The good news is that the white spots on your nails are not a health concern and won’t stay there forever. They’re also not contagious, so you don’t need to worry about other people catching them. The most important thing to remember is that there isn’t much you can do to get rid of white spots on your nails, but they will eventually go away if you leave them alone.
5 Steps to Get Rid of White Spot on Nails
1. Check for underlying health conditions
Identifying any possible underlying health conditions that may be causing white spots on the nails is important. Some health conditions that may cause white spots on the nails include nutrient deficiencies and fungal infections.
Nutrient deficiencies, such as a lack of calcium, zinc, or protein in the diet, can lead to white spots on the nails. Fungal infections, such as Candida albicans or dermatophytes, can also cause white spots on the nails.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan if you are concerned about white spots on your nails. A healthcare provider can perform tests and provide treatment options based on the specific cause of the white spots. The underlying health condition may continue to cause problems with your nail health without proper treatment.
2. Improve your diet and hydration
Nutrition plays an important role in nail health. Ensuring that you are getting enough of the essential nutrients that support healthy nails can help prevent white spots and other problems with your nails.
To support healthy nails, it may be helpful to increase your intake of protein, as well as the minerals zinc and calcium. These nutrients are important for the growth and strength of nails. Protein-rich foods include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts. Zinc can be found in foods like oysters, beef, and chickpeas, while calcium is found in dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and nuts.
It is also important to stay hydrated for overall health and your nails’ health. Water helps to moisturize the nails and keep them strong. It would help if you also aimed to drink at least 8-8 ounces of water per day.
3. Use a nail hardener or strengthener
Nail hardeners and strengtheners can help improve the appearance and strength of nails. These products create a protective layer over the nails, which helps prevent them from breaking or splitting.
When choosing a nail hardener or strengthener, it is important to look for products with natural ingredients, such as keratin or biotin. These ingredients can help to nourish and strengthen the nails. Avoid products with harsh chemicals, as they can be damaging to the nails.
To use a nail hardener or strengthener effectively, follow these tips:
- Start by cleaning your nails and removing any nail polish.
- Apply the hardener or strengthener according to the product instructions.
- Be sure to apply the product to the entire nail, including the underside and the tips.
- Allow the product to dry completely before applying nail polish or engaging in activities that may cause your nails to become wet.
- Use the hardener or strengthener as directed, usually once or twice a week.
4. Try a homemade remedy, such as lemon juice or tea tree oil
Several household ingredients may have nail-strengthening properties and can be used as homemade remedies for white spots on the nails. Two common ingredients that may be helpful are lemon juice and tea tree oil.
To use lemon juice as a nail treatment: To use lemon juice as a nail treatment, squeeze the juice of one lemon into a small bowl, soak your nails in the lemon juice for about 10 minutes, rinse your nails with warm water and pat them dry, and repeat this treatment a few times a week for best results.
To use tea tree oil as a nail treatment: To use tea tree oil as a nail treatment, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as almond oil or jojoba oil, massage the mixture into your nails and cuticles, and allow the oil to penetrate the nails for a few hours or overnight, rinse the oil off with warm water and pat your nails dry, and repeat this treatment a few times a week for best results.
It is important to note that homemade remedies may not work for everyone and may have potential risks or limitations. It is always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before trying any new treatment, especially if you have sensitive skin or are pregnant.
5. Consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider for severe or persistent cases
If you have severe or persistent white spots on your nails, it is important to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider. A healthcare provider can help to diagnose the cause of the white spots and provide treatment options. Nail conditions can worsen without proper treatment and lead to more serious complications.
It is especially important to seek medical advice if you have other symptoms besides white spots on your nails, such as pain, swelling, or difficulty with nail growth. A dermatologist can determine the underlying cause of these symptoms and provide appropriate treatment.
In some cases, the cause of white spots on the nails may signify a more serious underlying health condition. Seeking medical treatment can help address this underlying condition and prevent potential complications.
What Causes White Spots on Your Nails?
1. Injury to the nail
White spots on nails are caused by trauma. In other words, an injury to the nail is responsible for these white spots. This can happen because of a cut or scrape that damages the nail bed and causes bleeding underneath your nails. The blood coagulates and forms a clot, which becomes visible as a white spot on the surface of your nail.
2. Nutritional Deficiency
A nutritional deficiency can cause white spots on the surface of your nails. Vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiencies are common in people who do not consume enough animal products since these vitamins are found in high concentrations in meats and fish. Iron deficiency is also a common cause of this condition.
Folic acid deficiency can result from an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, or certain medications like birth control pills or antidepressants may cause it. Protein deficiencies that cause white spots on your nails include malnutrition due to poor eating habits or alcoholism.
3. Fungal infection
White nail spots may result from a fungal infection called Onychomycosis. This is the most common cause of white spots on fingernails and toenails.
It’s caused by a fungus that can grow inside or under your nail bed. The fungi that cause this disease are called dermatophytes and are present in microscopic form everywhere in our environment.
4. Systemic illness
If you have white spots on your toenails, it could be a sign of systemic illness. Systemic illnesses affect the whole body rather than just one part. Examples of systemic illnesses include cancer and diabetes.
White spots on toenails can also be caused by infections such as fungal nail infections or bacterial nail infections. These infections typically cause discoloration in the nails, but they will also leave a white spot if there is dryness or inflammation near the tip of the nail bed (the area where your cuticle ends).
5. Medicines and poisoning
You may also see white spots on your nails if you take certain medications, including antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, or painkillers. The problem is that these medications can cause the nail to take longer to grow back after being damaged. This can weaken the nail and lead to white spots developing on your nails.
If you have any contact with poisonous plants or animals (such as snakes), it’s possible that this could also cause white spots on your nails.
6. Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions to nail polish are the most common cause of white spots on your nails. If you’ve had a reaction to a certain type of nail polish or remover, it can make your nails even more sensitive in the future. This is because some compounds used in nail polish and removers contain chemicals similar to those found in some foods, plants, and other substances that cause allergic reactions when ingested or inhaled.
While topical medications like antibiotics can sometimes cause white spots on your nails if taken for a prolonged period, this is usually more common among people already prone to fungal infections because they have weakened immune systems.
The Best Over-the-Counter Treatments for White Spots on Nails
1. Medicated nail polish or lacquer
Medicated nail polish or lacquer can treat or prevent skin spots on the nails. These products typically contain antifungal or antibacterial agents that help to kill the organisms that can cause nail infections.
When choosing a medicated nail polish or lacquer, it is important to look for products with natural or safe ingredients. Some ingredients to look for include tea tree oil, keratin, and biotin. Avoid products with harsh chemicals, as they can be damaging to the nails.
To use medicated nail polish or lacquer effectively:
- Start by cleaning your nails and removing any nail polish.
- Apply the medicated polish or lacquer according to the product instructions.
- Be sure to apply the product to the entire nail, including the underside and the tips.
- Allow the product to dry completely before applying nail polish or engaging in activities that may cause your nails to become wet.
- Use the medicated polish or lacquer as directed, usually once or twice a week.
2. Topical creams or ointments
To use a topical cream or ointment effectively:
- Start by cleaning your nails and removing any nail polish.
- Apply the cream or ointment to the nails according to the product instructions.
- Be sure to apply the product to the entire nail, including the underside and the tips.
- Allow the product to penetrate the nails for a few hours or overnight.
- Rinse the cream or ointment off with warm water and pat your nails dry.
- Use the cream or ointment as directed, usually once or twice a day.
It is important to follow the instructions on the product label and to use the cream or ointment as directed. Overuse or improper use of these products can lead to skin irritation or other side effects. If you experience adverse reactions or your condition does not improve, speak with a dermatologist.
3. Oral supplements or medications
Some several oral supplements and medications can be used to treat or prevent white spots on the nails.
To take oral supplements or medications safely and effectively:
- Follow the instructions on the product label or as directed by a healthcare provider.
- Do not take more than the recommended dose.
- Do not take the supplement or medication for longer than the recommended duration.
- Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets or capsules.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition, speak with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements or medications.
- If you experience adverse reactions or your condition does not improve, speak with a dermatologist.
5 Tips to Prevent White Spots on Nails
Preventing white spots on the nails is important for maintaining healthy and strong nails. Here are five tips for preventing white spots on nails:
1. Keep your nails trimmed and clean
Trimming your nails regularly and keeping them clean can help to prevent white spots and other problems with your nails.
2. Protect your nails from harsh chemicals and external trauma
Avoid harsh chemicals on your nails, and wear gloves when working with cleaning products or other chemicals. Avoid biting your nails or picking at the nail beds, as this can damage the nails and lead to white spots.
3. Moisturize your nails and cuticles regularly
Keeping your nails and cuticles moisturized can help to prevent dryness and cracking, which can lead to white spots.
4. Avoid biting your nails or picking at the nail beds
Biting your nails or picking at the nail beds can damage the nails and lead to white spots. It is better to kick the habit as soon as you can.
5. Seek medical attention for underlying health issues that may cause white spots
If you have underlying health issues, such as nutrient deficiencies or fungal infections, it is important to seek medical attention to address them and prevent white spots on the nails.
Are white spots on nails calcium?
No, the white spots on nails are not calcium, they are not related to calcium deficiency either. They could have been caused by nutrition deficiencies, trauma etc.
Are white spots on nails lucky?
Yes, some religions believe that having a white spot on any of your fingernails make you lucky.
Can dehydration cause white spots on nails?
Yes, dehydration of the keratin on the nails can cause white spot on nails.
Can stress cause white spots on nails?
Yes, stress can cause white spots on nails. However, it is not a common occurence.
Conclusion
This article talked about white spots on nails and the causes of this condition. We also provided some tips on how to get rid of them so that you can hide the unsightly spots on your fingernails.
Sources
1. Why Are There White Spots on My Nails?
https://www.healthline.com/health/white-spots-on-nails
2. How to Get Rid of White Spots on Your Nails
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-White-Spots-on-Your-Nails
3. Reasons and treatments for white spots on the nails
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