Why Do I Have White Marks on My Toenails?

Toenails have their fair share of being neglected as per health equipment; however, they could tell a great deal regarding what is going on within your body.

A white mark or white spots on toenails is one of the statements that frequently raises concern among people. Were you ever curious and ask yourself why you get white spots on your toenails? You’re not alone.

These marks are tiny dots, streaks, or may even cover the whole nail. However, as much as they are, in most cases, innocent, there are cases where they portend a deep-rooted problem that must be addressed.

What Are White Marks on Toenails?

The white spots on toenails are called leukonychia in medical terminology. There are several ways this state manifests itself:

• Leukonychia punctata– dots on the nail surface that are small and white.
• Leukonychia striata– horizontal or vertical white lines.
• Total leukonychia– the whole nail appears white.

Myths vs. Facts

• Myth: The Cause is calcium deficiency.
• Fact: they are more commonly associated with trauma, fungus, or minor health crimes.

The first thing to know about leukonychia is whether your toenail spots are something to be proud of or something that is indicative of a serious illness.

Common Causes of White Marks on Toenails

There are no white spots in the sky; they have their reasons to be. Now, we can consider the following most general reasons:

1. Minor Trauma or Injury

Trauma is the most prevalent factor of the white toenail marks. Though you are not conscious of damaging your toe, minute dots or pressure would damage the nail bed.

• An elastic fit of the shoe or a high heel.
• Examples of sporting activities include running, football, and dancing.
• Banging your toe on the hard surfaces.

2. Nail Fungus

Other key causes are the fungus.

• Superficial white onychomycosis (SWO) is a disease in which chalky white spots are capable of spreading.
• Molds in nails may also render them thick, brittle, and darkish in time.
• Fungus is encouraged in warm and wet environments (such as those caused by sweaty shoes).

3. Allergic Reactions

Nail polish, gel manicure, or even very strong nail hardeners contain chemicals that will produce an allergic reaction on the nail surface, leaving white patches. This can be the cause of white marks that appear after a pedicure.

4. Nutritional Deficiencies

Some of the shortcomings could lead to changes in nails:

• Zinc deficiency can be a cause of white streaks.
• Protein deficiency– nails might be weakened and white areas formed as a result.
• Vitamin deficiencies (especially B-complex) – attack nail quality.

Note: It is rarely the case, and often it is believed to be caused by calcium deficiency.

5. Systemic Health Conditions

The persistent white toenail marks may be caused by some health conditions, although these are rare:

• Kidney disease– half-and-half nails.
• Liver disease– nails are white in color.
• Heart disease– circular troubles with nails.

These are rare but must be included in the event of an encounter with white marks and other health symptoms.

6. Genetics

Other pathologies, such as Leukonychia, can be inherited. In case you have always had some white spots on your nails since childhood, it is probably because of genes.

When Should You Worry About White Toenail Marks?

 

The bulk of white marks is harmless and develops along with the nail. But, it should be listened to in case:

• The white spots are proliferating.
• Your nails get thickened, brittle, or discolored.
• You are suffering from swelling, redness, and pain in the toenail.
• The tattoos do not fade out after the nails have grown in a few months.

This may be a sign of a fungal infection or an underlying medical condition that requires medical attention.

How to Treat White Marks on Toenails

 

 

The cause of treatment varies. The following are remedies that can be attempted:

1. Home Remedies for Minor Trauma

• Cut and polish your nails every now and then.
• Vitamin E or coconut oil can be put on your legs to keep them moist.
• Put on breathable shoes that fit well so as not to get injured often.

2. Treating Fungal Infections

• Antifungal creams (upper antifungal) (clotrimazole, terbinafine).
• Oral antifungal (prescription of a physician in more advanced cases).
• Home remedies: proto remedies are tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar foot baths, and baking soda, which would slow the development of the fungus.

3. How to treat Allergic Reactions?

• Use Nail polish that is hypoallergenic or ensure that no type of nail polish is applied.
• Although soft nail polish talents can be used, limit the use of acetone-based hard nail polish removers.
• Have a polish-free rest hiatus with your nails, and your nails will rejuvenate themselves.

4. Boosting Nutrition

The diet incorporated should contain the following rich nutrient food items:

• Zinc
• Protein
• Biotin
• Vitamin B-complex

5. Medical Treatments

In case white scars do not go away, see a dermatologist or a podiatrist. They may:

• Check your nails to test for infection.
• Write prescriptions for stronger antifungals.
• Examine predisposing health factors.

Prevention Tips for Healthy Toenails

The white marks may also be prevented by keeping your toenails in a healthy state in the first place.

• Shoes – wearable, fitting, comfortable, and breathable.
• Change socks every day – in particular, after exercises.
• Clip nails positioned squarely without being too short.
• Do not utilize the nail tools with others to avoid fungal infections.
• Keep your feet hygienic – dry feet and keep them clean.
• Restrict the use of polish – allow nails to breathe between pedis.

Myths vs. Facts About White Toenail Marks

• Myth: White spots: You are not taking enough milk.
• Fact: They’re usually caused by trauma or fungus, not calcium.
• Myth: White marks will never go away.
• Fact: Most grow out naturally as the nail grows.
• Myth: Only dirty feet get toenail fungus.
• Fact: Fungus is quite common in areas that are humid and damp.

FAQs About White Marks on Toenails

Q1: Can toenail fungus cause serious problems?
 Unattended, it may propagate, cripple, and harden nails. It can be medically treated in the rare extreme cases.

Q2: How many days does your toenail take to heal?
 Growth Toenail growth is slow – around 1-2 mm/month. A complete replacement of the toenail can take 6-12 months to complete.

Q3: Would I have my doctor see my white toenails?
 Yes, when the marks become spreading, painful, and do not disappear for several months.

Conclusion

White spots on toes or leukonychia are not a new finding, but as a rule, they are harmless. Most of the causes are non-critical injuries, fungus, nutritional deficiencies, or allergies. The majority of these cases resolve automatically; nevertheless, medical practitioners must evaluate the symptoms that progress to long-term or spiral.

Through proper foot care, use of appropriate footwear, and good nutrition, you can also manage to ensure your toenails are well taken care of, and the chances of seeing the white marks are unlikely.

The next time you see such small spots on your nails, you shouldn’t go panicky since most of the time they only indicate that your toenails need additional attention.