How to get rid of white spots on your nails

How to get rid of white spots on nails: complete leadership

Understanding leakonichia: what is it and why it arises

Leikonichia is a medical term describing the appearance of white spots or lines on the nails. These spots can vary by size, shape and quantity. It is important to understand that leakonichia in most cases is not a sign of a serious disease and is often allowed by itself as the nail grows. However, in some cases, it may indicate deeper health problems. Therefore, before panic, it is necessary to understand the reasons for its occurrence and possible methods of treatment.

Classification of leakonichia: from point to complete

There are several types of leikonichia, classified depending on the nature and spread of white spots:

• Likonichia dot (Leukonychia punctata): This is the most common form, characterized by the appearance of small, white dots on the nail plate. Usually it affects one or more nails and is often associated with minor injuries.

• Likonichia transverse (Leukonychia Striata): This type is manifested in the form of horizontal white stripes crossing the nail. Transverse leukonichia can be caused by injuries, some drugs or diseases. Strips usually affect all nails at the same time.

• Lonconichi Longitudinal Leukonychia: A rare shape characterized by vertical white stripes, coming from the base of the nail to the tip. It is often associated with genetic factors or impaired blood supply.

• Partial leakonichia (Partial Leukonychia): This form implies the appearance of white spots occupying part of the nail plate, but not its entire area.

• Likonichia is complete (Total Leukonychia): The rarest type of leakonichia, in which the whole nail becomes white. It can be hereditary or associated with serious systemic diseases.

Common causes of white spots on the nails: from injuries to nutrient deficiency

The most frequent causes of white spots on the nails include:

• Nail plate injury: This is the most common cause of leakonichia point. Even minor blows, pinching or pressure on the nail can damage the nail matrix (the area where the nail is formed), which leads to the appearance of white spots. The spots do not appear immediately after the injury, but as the damaged area of ​​the nail grows.

• Incorrect manicure: Excessive use of acrylic nails, gel polish or other aggressive means, as well as rough removal of the cuticle can damage the nail plate and lead to leikonichia. The use of tools not intended for manicure can also cause injuries.

• Zinc deficiency: Zinc plays an important role in the health of the nails. The disadvantage of this trace element can lead to the appearance of white spots, as well as to other problems with nails, such as brittleness and slow growth.

• Calcium deficiency: Although this is a less common reason than a zinc deficiency, the lack of calcium can also contribute to the appearance of white spots. Calcium is important for the fortress and health of bones and nails.

• Vitamin deficiency: The lack of vitamins of group B (especially B7, biotin), vitamin C and vitamin E can affect the health of the nails and cause white spots.

• Fungal infections: In rare cases, white spots on the nails can be a sign of fungal infection, especially white surface onychomycosis. This type of infection usually affects only the surface layers of the nail.

• Allergic reactions: Allergies to nail polish, varnish removal, soap or other chemicals can cause irritation and damage to the nail plate, which leads to the appearance of white spots.

• Some drugs: Taking certain drugs, such as sulfanilamides, can cause leikonichia as a side effect.

• System diseases: In rare cases, leukonichia can be a sign of more serious diseases, such as liver diseases, kidneys, thyroid gland, eczema, psoriasis or anemia. Full leukonichia, in particular, requires a more thorough examination.

• Heredity: In rare cases, leukonichia can be hereditary.

Diagnosis of leakonichia: when to see a doctor

In most cases, leukonichia does not require medical care and passes on its own as the nail grows. However, you should consult a doctor if:

• White spots cover most of the nail or all nails.
• White spots are accompanied by other symptoms, such as a change in color, shape or thickness of the nail, pain, edema or discharge.
• White spots do not disappear for several months.
• You suspect that the cause of leukonichia may be the underlying disease.

The doctor may examine the nails and, if necessary, prescribe additional studies, such as a blood test for a deficiency of nutrients, a scraping of the nail to exclude a fungal infection or a biopsy of the nail to exclude other diseases.

Treatment of white spots on nails: home remedies and medical procedures

Treatment of leukonichia depends on the cause of its occurrence. In most cases, there are enough homework and proper nail care.

Home remedies:

• Proper nutrition: Make sure that your diet is rich in zinc, calcium, vitamins of group B, vitamin C and vitamin E. Turn on in your diet products rich in these nutrients, such as oysters, pumpkin seeds, nuts, green vegetables, citrus fruits and berries.

• Reception of additives: If you suspect a feed of nutrients, consult a doctor about the possibility of taking food additives containing zinc, calcium, biotin and other necessary vitamins and minerals. It is important not to exceed the recommended dosage.

• Moisturizing nails: Regularly moisturize the nails and cuticle with cream or oil. This will help prevent the dryness and fragility of nails that can aggravate leakonichia. Circular oil containing vitamin E is especially useful.

• Avoid injuries: Try to avoid nail injuries. Be careful when performing everyday tasks, such as cleaning, work in the garden and playing sports. Wear gloves when working with chemicals.

• Limit the use of nail polish and removing varnish: Excessive use of nail polish and varnish removal can damage the nail plate and aggravate leikonichia. Try to use nail polish only if necessary and choose products for removing varnish without acetone.

• Take breaks between manicure: Give the nails the time to recover between manicure, especially if you use acrylic nails or gel polish.

• Wear cotton gloves at night: Apply a moisturizer on your hands and nails before bedtime and put on cotton gloves. This will help moisturize the nails and prevent their brittleness.

• Use the protective coatings for nails: If you work with chemicals or often wash your hands, use protective coatings for nails to prevent their damage.

Medical procedures:

• Treatment of fungal infection: If the cause of leukonichia is a fungal infection, the doctor may prescribe antifungal drugs of local or oral use. Treatment can take several months.

• Elimination of the underlying disease: If the cause of leukonichia is the underlying disease, the treatment of this disease is necessary. For example, with thyroid diseases, hormonal treatment is necessary.

• Removing the nail plate: In rare cases, when leikonichia is caused by a serious injury or disease, it may be required to remove the nail plate.

Leukonichia prevention: how to prevent the appearance of white spots

The prevention of leukonichia includes the following measures:

• Nail protection from injuries: Be careful not to damage your nails. Wear gloves when working with chemicals and play sports.

• Proper nail care: Cut your nails regularly and moisturize them with cream or oil. Avoid excessive use of nail polish and varnish remedies. Do not cut the cuticle too short.

• Balanced nutrition: Make sure your diet is rich in zinc, calcium, group B vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin E.

• Avoid allergens: If you suspect you are allergic to nail polish or other chemicals, use hypoallergenic products.

• Regular medical examinations: Regularly visit a doctor for preventive examinations.

The connection of leakonichia with other diseases:

As mentioned earlier, although leukonichia is most often a harmless state, in rare cases it may indicate more serious health problems. It is important to remember that white spots on the nails themselves are not a sufficient basis for diagnosis. If you have any fears, you need to consult a doctor to conduct an examination.

Some diseases that can be associated with leikonichia include:

• Kidney diseases: Chronic renal failure can lead to changes in nails, including leukonichia.

• Liver diseases: Liver cirrhosis and other liver diseases can affect the health of the nails.

• Thyroid diseases: Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause various changes in nails, including leukonichia.

• Railway Anemia: A severe iron deficiency can lead to pallor of the nail bed and, in some cases, to leukonichia.

• Psoriasis and eczema: These skin diseases can affect nails and cause various changes, including leikonichia.

• HIV infection: People with HIV infection may observe various nail changes, including leukonichia.

Myths about leikonichia:

There are many myths about leikonichia that do not have scientific confirmation. Some of them include:

• White spots on the nails mean a lack of calcium: Although calcium deficiency can contribute to problems with nails, it is not the main cause of leakonichia. Most often, the reason lies in the injury.

• White spots on the nails mean that you have worms: This myth is completely inconsistent. Leikonichia has nothing to do with parasitic infections.

• White spots on the nails mean that you have a serious disease: In most cases, leikonichia is not a sign of a serious disease.

In conclusion:

Leikonichia is a common condition that in most cases is not a cause for concern. Proper nail care, balanced diet and avoiding injuries will help prevent the appearance of white spots. If you have any fears, consult a doctor for consultation and examination. Remember that the health of the nails is a reflection of the general state of health, so it is important to monitor your way of life and consult a doctor in time if necessary.