What are the causes of white toenails?
Disease description:
Recently, I noticed that my nails have become slightly whitish. I would like to know what are the possible causes of white spots or whitening of the toenails?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
White toes nails can be caused by various factors, commonly including:
1. Trauma: Minor injuries, such as wearing tight shoes or having heavy objects fall on the toes, may cause white spots under the toenails. This typically results from dried blood due to ruptured small blood vessels beneath the nail bed.
2. Fungal infection: Conditions such as onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) can cause the nail plate to turn white, often accompanied by cloudiness and thickening of the nail.
3. Skin diseases: Dermatological conditions like psoriasis can sometimes affect the toenails, leading to changes in their color and texture.
4. Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of nutrients such as calcium, vitamin B2, and iron may cause toenails to become white. Calcium deficiency can lead to soft and pale nails; insufficient vitamin B2 and iron may cause anemia, which can affect nail color.
5. Internal diseases: In rare cases, changes in toenail color could be a sign of liver disease, heart disease, or other internal conditions, although this usually occurs alongside other more noticeable symptoms.
The above are only some possible causes. If you have concerns or symptoms persist, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.
