The appearance of white fingernails is often linked to a lack of calcium, but that is not the most common reason. According to doctors, in most cases these spots are caused by minor lesions of his fingernail or root, which may happen unattended.
In medicine this phenomenon is known as leukemia, and according to Cleveland Clinton, it is common and largely harmless.
A Harm You Could Not Remember
White noses may appear after a slight blow of the fingernails on a hard surface, fingernail bites, or even tight shoes.
Such injuries can occur even during manicure, especially when nails are lymized or lustration with great force.
Because nails grow slowly, they can spend up to six weeks until damage to their roots becomes apparent in the form of a white stain. This explains why many cannot recall the moment when damage has been caused.
Are white spots related to a lack of calcium?
Despite widespread belief, white fingernail 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.
Meanwhile, white lines may appear in cases of severe malnutrition or when the level of proteins in the blood is low, but 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. The lack of iron can cause their deformity by shaping their spoons, while the absence of the glue can be linked to the fragility of nails and the appearance of white spots.
Other Causes That Can Affect Surface
In addition to physical injuries, leukemia may also be caused by allergic reactions to fingertips, products to strengthen them, undoors, or artificial nails.
Other possible causes include mushroom infections, exposure to heavy metals such as arsenic and lead, chemotherapy, and the use of certain drugs, including antibiotics.
In the rarest cases, differences in fingernail color can also be associated with diseases affecting the entire organism, such as diabetes, heart failure, HIV, liver cirrhosis or psoriase.
A Study Published in the magazine American Journal of Clinical Dermatology It points out that white changes may appear on the fingernail itself, on the skin below or on the surface of the fingernail.
For this reason, although usually harmless, these changes may in some cases signal other health problems.
How long before the stains disappear?
When caused by physical injury, white spots usually do not require special treatment. They gradually disappear with the growth of the fingernail until they reach the top and can be cut off.
According to Cleveland Clinic, this process can last from six to nine months in 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. The avoidance of aggressive chemical products is also recommended.
When should you consult a doctor?
Although most of the white spots are no reason for concern, Cleveland Clinton recommends consulting the doctor in cases where new changes are observed in 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, a small white spot is usually no cause for alarm, but the constant differences in nails should not be ignored, especially when associated with other symptoms.
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