What does it mean when there are white spots on the nails?
Oct 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In most cases, white spots on the nails may result from natural growth processes, trauma, malnutrition, nail fungus, or parasitic infections. In daily life, adjusting dietary habits by increasing intake of protein, vitamins, and trace elements—such as eating more eggs, carrots, lean pork, fish, and apples—and maintaining good personal hygiene can help prevent infections.
White spots on the nails are usually caused by natural growth processes, trauma, malnutrition, nail fungus (onychomycosis), or parasitic infections. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Natural phenomenon during growth
During the nail growth process in children and adolescents, white spots may occasionally appear, possibly due to changes in growth rate. This condition typically resolves on its own as the individual grows older and the nails continue to grow.
2. Trauma
Minor injuries to the nail during growth, such as impacts or pressure, may cause white spots to form beneath the nail plate. These spots generally move toward the fingertip as the nail grows and eventually fall off. It is advisable to avoid external impacts on the nails in daily life.
3. Malnutrition
Prolonged picky eating or dieting may lead to malnutrition, resulting in inadequate nutrient supply to distal body tissues such as the nails, thereby causing white spots. This may be accompanied by symptoms like pallor and fatigue. It is recommended to take vitamin E capsules, vitamin B1 tablets, folic acid tablets, or other supplements as directed by a physician.
4. Nail fungus (Onychomycosis)
Fungal infection can lead to onychomycosis. The fungi may stimulate internal nail tissue to produce inflammatory secretions, which can appear as white spots when visible through the nail. This condition may also involve symptoms such as brittle, hollow, or discolored nails. Treatment should be conducted under medical supervision using medications such as itraconazole capsules, terbinafine hydrochloride tablets, or clotrimazole cream.
5. Parasitic infection
Parasitic infections are often associated with poor personal hygiene. When the nail bed becomes infected by parasites, white spots may appear on the nails. This is commonly accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain and indigestion. Medications such as albendazole tablets, praziquantel tablets, or mebendazole tablets may be used under a doctor’s guidance.
In daily life, it is important to adjust dietary habits, increase intake of protein, vitamins, and trace elements—such as eggs, carrots, lean pork, fish, and apples—and maintain good personal hygiene to prevent infections.
