In medical jargon, having white spots on the nail is called “Leukonychia”. Why do we have white spots on the nails? Is there some kind of disease in the body that is sounding the warning? In this article, your nail supply expert Maryton will tell you the answers.
In fact, Leukonychia can be divided into two types: full and partial.
- Total leukonychia is when the nail plate is totally white.
- Partial leukonychia comes in 3 types:
- Punctate leukonychia are white spots that are up to 3mm in diameter. Most of the time they are harmless.
- Longitudinal leukonychia. It corresponds to a white band all along the nail
- Striated or transverse leukonychia. It is manifested by several horizontal lines parallel to the lunula of the nail.
Leukonychia also can be divided into 2 other categories: true and apparent leukonychia.
- True leukonychia correspond to a spot or white line caused by a lesion of the nail. The white areas aren’t affected when pressure is exerted on the nail. These will grow with the nails.
- Exposed leukonychia appear when the nail bed is touched. To find out if it is apparent leukonychia, tap on it. If the spots disappear, it means that it is apparent leukonychia.
In the majority of cases, leukonychia are harmless. Sometimes, however, these hide certain health problems and require a consultation with a doctor. In addition, I advise you to invest in a complete manicure and pedicure set to care for your nails in daily life!
Read also: How to take care of your nails naturally?
