by Kimberley Heit

Created on: February 22, 2009

White spots on your nails are similar to bruises on the body; they are the physical sign of some form of trauma. Their medical name is leukonychia and this is a Greek term which translates to white nail. In most cases white spots are completely harmless, albeit slightly unsightly.

An overview on the possible causes, treatment, and prevention is provided below:

-Possible causes of white spots on your nails-

The main possible causes of white spots on your nails are as follows:

*Random injury to the nail or nail bed-such as squashing your finger in a door or a direct blow to the fingernail or nail bed.

*An allergic reaction to an ingredient in nail polish.

*A nail infection like some form of fungal infection

*Inappropriate nail care-rough cuticle pushing or picking at cuticles can also cause trauma.

*Beau's Lines- these are lines or ridges which are evidence of some form of disruption to the body whilst the nail was forming. For example, if you suffered from some form of illness, infection, or a zinc deficiency during the growth stage then this may show up.

-Treatment-

Unfortunately, unlike a bruise that occurs in living tissue you are stuck with white marks until the nail grows out because nails are made of deal skin cells just like hair. Nails only grow at around one eighth of an inch each month, so it could be many months before you are free of the white spots.

You can however, disguise the appearance of white spots by applying nail polish to your nails. A dark shade should cover them entirely and a shimmering light shade should help camouflage them by reflecting. In addition, there are several things you can try to stimulate nail growth to help grow out the area as rapidly as possible. To stimulate nail growth massage an anti-oxidant rich cuticle oil into your nails on a daily basis. Oils to try include flax seed, vitamin E, Jojoba and even a good quality olive oil. Hand massages also increase circulation and therefore may increase the nails growth rate.

-Prevention-

It's highly unlikely that you'll be able to prevent all forms of trauma to your nails so from time to time you are bound to suffer from a white spot or two. You can however, reduce the amount of white spots you suffer from. Since poor nutrition can result in nails becoming more prone to white spots make sure you eat a well balanced diet and in particular ensure that you get an adequate intake of zinc. Also make sure any nail treatments are performed in a gentle manner. Don't panic if you have sustained a bump to your nail bed shortly before a big event. White spots caused by trauma usually take four to seven weeks to appear.

It is not uncommon to incur white spots and have no memory of a trauma to your nails, but if you are suffering from a large occurrence of white spots for no explainable reason then it might be a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional. In some rare instances it is believed that white spots on nails can be an indicator of kidney or liver problems.

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