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What are the White Marks on Fingernails and Why do we Have them?

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leukonychiaIf we try looking at our fingernails, most of us would usually see white spots located at the bottom portion of the nail bed. Whenever we see these marks, we would normally ignore them since they do not cause any pain, discomfort or even attention. However, these marks are present due to several reasons. For us to know these causes; here are some of the facts about white marks on fingernails.

What are white marks on fingernails? These white marks or spots found in our nail beds are medically known as leukonychia. Other would commonly refer to them as white nails. This term (leukonychia) was derived from the Greek words leuko, meaning white, and onyx, which means nail. This type of nail discoloration is due to several possible causes; however, the most common are those associated with fungal infections, skin conditions, mild nail trauma and nutritional problems or deficiencies. These white marks can be an outcome of a nail injury. Sometimes we accidentally hit or put intense pressure on our nails that it can cause the development of these spots.

Another possible cause of white marks is due to fungal infection. Some white marks, particularly those that are linear in appearance, may indicate signs of fungal affectation. Some places like gyms and nail salons are best places to acquire different types of fungi that could infect our nail beds. Once these fungi attack the nails, it can eventually cause discoloration, which can also result to nail separation from the nail bed. If a fungal infection is suspected, it is important to seek a dermatologist in order for a culture sample to be done with the correct diagnosis.

Skin conditions and problems can also be a cause for these nail discoloration. One possible skin condition is none other than psoriasis. This skin abnormality causes red and irritating blemishes all over the body, with the appearance of scaling. Some cases of psoriasis could be severe that is can already affect the nail beds, which produces thick and whitish layers known as plaque.

In addition to these things, white marks can also be a result of improper diet. These marks are sometimes linked to the many mineral deficiencies in our body such as zinc and calcium. This is the reason why increasing the intake of this minerals through food and supplementations is needed in order to remove these white discolorations in our fingernails. As we all know, leukonychia can look harmless, but the presence of this can indicate something more serious in our health. This is why we should never neglect or ignore these small signs in our body.

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Filed Under: Nails Tagged With: causes of white marks or leukonychia?, facts on leukonychia or white marks on fingernails, what are white marks on fingernails?, White Marks on Fingernails

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