Are white spots on a child's fingernails a sign of pinworms?

Jun 25, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have noticed some white spots on my child's nails recently. I looked it up online and found that it might be related to pinworms. Are white spots on the fingernails a sign of pinworms?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
White spots appearing on a child's fingernails can have multiple possible causes and do not necessarily indicate a roundworm infection directly. 1. These white spots might result from trauma, such as when a child injures a fingernail while playing. During the recovery process, leukonychia (white spots) may develop. 2. Malnutrition of the nail bed could also lead to white spots on the nails. This may be related to deficiencies in certain trace elements or vitamins, such as zinc or B vitamins. 3. In some children, white spots on the nails may simply represent a normal variation and generally are nothing to be overly concerned about. 4. If you suspect your child has roundworms, look for additional symptoms such as teeth grinding during sleep, frequent abdominal pain, or a generally poor complexion. However, these symptoms are not specific to roundworm infection, so it is not advisable to conclude that a child has roundworms solely based on the presence of white spots on the nails. If you suspect your child has a roundworm infection, a comprehensive evaluation combining other symptoms should be conducted, and prompt medical attention is recommended.