Dispelling common myths about white spots on nails, dermatology expert Dr Francisco Vizcaíno explained that these spots, known as leukonychia or leuconychia, are not due to a lack of calcium or a vitamin shortage. Through his TikTok account @doctorvizcainob, the skin specialist regularly shares insights into various dermatological issues.
In a recent video, he addressed this specific nail condition. Dr Vizcaino clarified: “Do you have a white line like this on some of your nails? Surely you’ve been told it’s due to a lack of calcium or some vitamin. Well, that’s not the cause.”
He continued, revealing the actual cause: “So, what are they due to? Contrary to what we’ve often been led to believe, they are caused by ‘micro traumas.’ That is, small bumps we give ourselves in our daily lives without realising it, like when typing or using a tool.”
While some people might consider drastic dietary changes when noticing these spots, Dr Vuzcaino advised against undue concern for those maintaining a balanced diet: “you shouldn’t worry about your health if you have these lines and maintain a healthy and balanced diet.”
However, he also acknowledged that nails can signal serious health issues. Echoing NHS guidance, he recommended seeking medical advice should unusual nail symptoms persist:
- a nail has changed shape, changed colour or fallen off and you do not know why
- the skin around your nails has become sore, red, swollen and warm (paronychia), which can be a sign of an infection or ingrown toenail
The NHS outlines that while most nail complications arise from:
- injuries or biting your nails
- staining your nails, for example, by smoking or applying a lot of nail varnish
- not regularly trimming your nails, or cutting them at an angle your hands often being in water or cleaning products
- a fungal nail infection
Certain, more worrying symptoms could indicate serious conditions such as:
- psoriasis
- iron deficiency anaemia
- an underactive thyroid or overactive thyroid
- diabetes
- heart, lung or liver disease
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