Toenails
White spots on toenails: all you need to know
If you’ve noticed white spots on your nails, you’re not alone. This is a very common condition that affects most people at some stage in their life. Usually, there is no cause for concern. However, there are different factors that cause these white spots so it’s important to know what these are, so you can seek the right treatment.
What are white spots on nails?
It’s very common for people to develop white spots on their nails. The medical term for this condition is leukonychia. It can cause white spots or streaks on your fingernails and toenails.
There are different types of leukonychia.
- True leukonychia — this is when white areas develop in the matrix of the nail (the base of the nail where new nail grows from). True leukonychia has two categories:
- Total leukonychia — when the whole nail is white
- Partial leukonychia — when only part of the nail is affected with white patches.
- Apparent leukonychia — this is caused by a problem in the nailbed, rather than the nail itself
- Pseudoleukonychia — this is when white spots form on the surface of your nail, rather than as part of the nail.
What causes white spots on toenails?
There are several factors that can cause white spots on your toenails. These include:
- Injuries or trauma to the nail plate or nail matrix. This can be from bumps, picking at your nails, wearing tight shoes, or pedicures.
- Allergies. Products such as nail polish, nail hardener or nail polish remover can cause white spots
- Medicines and toxins. Some medications such as chemotherapy and drugs used for bacterial infections can lead to white spots. Heavy metal toxins like arsenic and lead can also cause them
- Fungal infections can lead to white spots.
- Medical conditions. White spots can be a rare symptom of some conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, iron deficiency liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, psoriasis and hyperthyroidism.
- Mineral deficiencies. If you’re deficient in zinc or calcium you may develop white spots on your nails. You can have a blood test to find out if you have any mineral deficiency.
- Hereditary conditions. Some complex hereditary health conditions can also cause whitening on the nails, but these are generally rare.
What do these white spots look like?
Leukonychia can appear in different ways. For example:
- individual white spots on one or multiple nails
horizontal white - bands across the nail
white streaks that run down the length of the nail - The entire nail appears white.
How do you treat white spots on nails?
The way we treat white spots on the toenails depends on what the cause is.
If the white area is caused by trauma to the nail, they will slowly grow out over time and there is no need for treatment. Toenails grow slower than fingernails, so it could take anywhere from 12 to 18 months for white spots on your toenails to grow out.
If the white spots are related to a fungal infection, you will need antifungal medication, which may be in the form of topical medication, or oral medication.
If you suspect the white spots are an allergic reaction to products you use on your nails, stop using them and see if the condition improves. If you think medication could be blame, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without the advice of your doctor.
Podiatrist Sydney
When should I see a podiatrist for white spots on my toenails?
If you have white spots on your toenails and you don’t believe they are a result of injury or trauma to your nail, you should make an appointment with a podiatrist to get them checked out to make sure you receive the correct treatment.
This is particularly important if you have any signs of infection, or you notice changes in your toenails that are not normal for you.
Can you prevent white spots on your nails?
To prevent white spots from developing on your nails you can:
- protect your nails by using protective footwear, especially when playing sports, working outside or in areas where there is a risk of dropping something on your foot, or your feet being stepped on
- wear well-fitting shoes that don’t rub on your feet
- keep your nails neatly trimmed
- keep your feet clean and dry and change your socks regularly
- avoid using irritating chemicals or products on your feet.
Remember, if you’ve got any kind of problem with your feet, or you notice new symptoms that are unusual for you, our friendly podiatrists are ready to help.
References
DermNet, White nail, https://dermnetnz.org/topics/white-nail
Healthline, Why are there white spots on my nails?, https://www.healthline.com/health/white-spots-on-nails
Cleveland Clinic, White spots on nails (leukonychia), https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/25243-white-spots-on-nails
Medical News Today, What to know about white spots on nails (leukonychia), https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317493