Many people still believe that the appearance of white fingernails is linked to a lack of calcium.
Doctors, however, explain that the most frequent cause is much more harmless – a minor lesion of the fingernail, which we often do not remember.
White nails are known in medicine as leukemia.
Illustration photo
According to Cleveland Clinton, this is a common and largely harmless phenomenon.
The most frequent cause is the damage to his fingernail or root, the part from which he says he grows.
A Strike You Could Not Remember
White skin may appear after it is hit on a solid surface, as a result of fingernail bite or even the foot of very narrow shoes.
The damage can also occur during manicure, especially when nails are embroidered or lustration with great force.
For this reason, many people cannot remember the moment when the nail was damaged.
The nails grow slowly and can spend up to six weeks until the root damage appears in the form of a white stain. Thus, until then, the impact has often been forgotten.
Is it caused by a lack of calcium?
Despite popular belief, white finger stains are usually no sign of calcium shortages.
According to BBC Science Focus, small, irregular white dots are usually caused by slight damage to the mouth.
While white lines may appear in cases of severe malnutrition or low levels of proteins in the blood, these do not directly relate to calcium.
Cleveland Clinton points out that there is still no clear scientific conclusion whether the lack of iron, calcium or Zinc could cause white spots.
Some experts support the relationship, while others disagree.
However, the lack of certain minerals can affect the health of the nails.
Lack of iron can cause their deformity by giving them a shape of the spoon, while the lack of Zink can be linked to fragile nails and white spots.
Other Possible Causes
In addition to physical injuries, white spots may appear for other reasons.
These include allergic reactions to fingertips, products for strengthening them, lactators, or artificial nails.
Other agents may be fungi infections, exposure to heavy metals such as arsenic and lead, chemotherapy, and the use of certain drugs, including some antibiotics.
In the rarest cases, differences in fingernail color may be linked to diseases that affect the entire organism, such as diabetes, heart failure, HIV, liver cirrhosis or psoriase.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology points out that white changes can appear in the Thin itself, in the skin below it, or only on the surface of the fingernail.
So while they are usually no reason for concern, they may in some cases indicate a more serious health problem.
How long before the stains disappear?
If the stains are caused by an injury, no particular treatment is usually required.
They gradually disappear as the fingernail grows to the top and can be cut off.
According to Cleveland Clinic, the process can last between six and nine months on the fingernails, while the nails may take between 12 and 18 months.
To prevent injury, the use of gloves is recommended during tasks that can harm nails, select comfortable shoes, and maintain short, hydrated nails.
Also to avoid using aggressive chemical products.
When Should You Visit a Doctor?
Although most white spots are harmless, Cleveland Clinton recommends consulting the doctor if you notice new changes in the nails, such as fragility, color change, inference, or marked lines.
Special attention should be given when such changes are accompanied by other symptoms, such as weakness, constant fatigue, turbulent vision, confusion, or difficulty in breathing.
Hence, while a small white spot is usually not disturbing, the constant differences in nails should not be ignored, especially when associated with other symptoms. /Telegraphy/