What causes white spots on toenails?
Disease description:
Yesterday, I noticed my toenail had turned white while taking a shower. I would like to know what causes a toenail to turn white.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Medically, whitening of the toenails is commonly referred to as "leukonychia," and it may be caused by various factors, including but not limited to the following:
1. Malnutrition: Calcium is an essential element for maintaining nail health. An unbalanced diet or poor eating habits may lead to calcium deficiency, causing the toenails to become white and soft.
2. Fungal infection (onychomycosis): Toenail fungal infections can cause the nail plate to turn white. As the condition progresses, it may also lead to cloudiness of the nail plate. Antifungal medications can be used for treatment.
3. Trauma: Minor injuries, such as wearing tight shoes or trauma from impact, may cause small blood vessels beneath the toenail bed to rupture, affecting pigmentation of the nail plate and resulting in white spots.
4. Signs of systemic diseases: Certain systemic diseases, such as liver disease, kidney disease, and heart disease, may also manifest as changes in the color of the toenails. For example, patients with severe liver disease may develop what is known as "Terry's nails," in which the entire nail plate appears almost white except for the tip.
If symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention for professional diagnosis and treatment advice.
