5 Causes of White Spots on Nails (With Images) - GoodRx (2024)

If you’ve got white marks on your nails, you’re not alone. White nails, or leukonychia, are a very common nail change. They’re so common that there are dozens of myths about why white spots develop.

Some of these myths are clearly farfetched. For example, white spots don’t mean you recently told a lie or are about to receive a letter with money in it. But other popular beliefs, like the ones about vitamin deficiencies, are closer to the truth. Here are the real reasons people get white spots on their nails — and what to do about them.

What is leukonychia (with pictures)?

Leukonychia is the medical term for white nails. It’s the most common type of nail discoloration. It can affect the whole nail or more commonly, just parts of the nail.

Your nail is made up of dozens of layers of keratin that are pressed together. Normally these layers are transparent, so you can see the nail bed below. That’s why your nails have a skin-colored pink or brown tinge. But if the keratin layers get separated, injured, or damaged, air gets trapped between the layers. And that makes the area look white.

There are three main types of leukonychia:

• Punctate leukonychia: small, isolated white spots

• Longitudinal leukonychia: bands of white that go up the length of the nail

• Transverse (or striate) leukonychia: bands of white that run across the nail

From injuries to medical conditions, there are many different causes of leukonychia. We’ll go over the four main reasons for white marks on your nails.

1. Nail trauma

Injury is the most common reason people develop white marks on their nails. Any kind of nail trauma can cause it. Typically, this shows up as white spots (punctate leukonychia) rather than white lines.

Nail trauma can be something major, like slamming your finger in a car door. If the nail separates from the nail bed, then the whole nail might turn white.

But even minor trauma or injury to your nail can lead to white spots. Nail biting, for example, is a common habit that causes repeated injury to the nail. And it’s a major cause of white marks on nails.

And, nail trauma isn’t always physical. Certain nail polishes and acrylic nails are an example of chemical trauma that can also cause white marks on nails.

2. Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions can cause nails to appear white. With this cause, people usually develop white bands rather than individual spots.

One common nail change that can be a sign of a medical problem is called Terry’s nails (named after the doctor who first observed and described this condition). When this happens, most of the nail appears white except for a thin strip of darkening towards the tip. This nail change has been associated with:

• Liver disease

• Heart failure

• Chronic kidney disease

• Diabetes

• Iron deficiency anemia

Certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis and alopecia areata, can also cause white spots on the nail.

3. Vitamin deficiencies

White spots on your nails can be a sign of vitamin deficiencies. In particular, selenium and zinc deficiencies can cause white spots or even turn whole sections of nail white. But this only happens with severe vitamin deficiencies, which is extremely rare among people eating a typical U.S. diet.

4. Fungal infections

A fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) is a common cause of white spots on nails. Most nail fungi grow within the nail and turn it brown or yellow. But some types of fungus grow on top of the nail and cause white spots. Nail fungus is more common on toenails, but it’s possible in fingernails, too.

Keep a close eye on your nails, because early detection and treatment of nail fungus can help you avoid more serious symptoms later, like cracked or crumbly nails. And, if you have a skin fungus infection, like athlete’s foot or ringworm, and you notice new spots on your nails, that’s a sign you should see your primary care professional for treatment.

5. Medications

Medications can also cause white spots on the nails. When medications cause leukonychia, this usually shows up as white transverse lines.

Here are some common medications that can cause white nail changes:

• Cyclosporine

• Isotretinoin

• Sulfonamide

• Chemotherapy

• Pilocarpine

How do you get rid of white spots on your nails?

Getting rid of white spots on your nails depends on the underlying cause. Treating the underlying cause, like fungus or a health condition, will prevent new spots from forming. But you’ll need to wait for the nails to grow out to see old marks resolve. White marks caused by nail injury will also fade as your nail grows out.

Proper nail care can prevent new spots from forming. Follow these simple tips to protect your nails:

• Limit or avoid artificial nails and gel manicures.

• Keep nails trimmed and filed.

• Wear gloves if you do a lot of wet work (like washing dishes).

• Keep your hands and nails moisturized.

When should you see a healthcare provider about white spots on your nails?

If you have a few isolated white spots on your nails, the most likely cause is nail injury. But, if you have white lines along your nail, or your entire nail looks white, it’s time to see a healthcare professional. Same goes if you notice other nail changes, like pits or nail splitting.

Images used with permission from VisualDx (www.visualdx.com).