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White Spots on Nails Causes and How to Get Rid of Them

White spots on nails can indicate a health problem with your nails. Here, find the causes of white spots on fingernails, how to get rid of white spots on toenails, simple ways to remove white patches on nails and the best home remedies for the white marks.White Spots on Finger Nails

  • What causes white spots on nails?
  • What are the white spots on my nails?
  • What causes white spots on fingernails?
  • White spots on my nails?
  • Why do I get white spots on my nails?
  • Why do I have white spots on my toe nails?

White spots on patches on nails may appear as dots or sometimes as lines on toenails and fingernails. It is believed that everyone gets white spots on nails at least at a certain point in their lives. Generally, the symptom problem of having white marks on the nails may indicate certain causes especially underlying health conditions.

Treatment for white spots on the nails can only be sought when you find out the causes of the problem. There are a number of different causes of white marks and patches on the nails. Some people refer to the problem as white spots on nails as a deficiency, or lack of zinc and calcium. Your nail makeup such as nail polish could be the cause of the problem.

Below, we list the causes of white spots on nails after which we will discuss the symptoms, treatments, basic steps on how to get rid of white marks on the nails and finally home remedies to remove white marks on your nails.

Causes of White Spots on Nails

White Fungus on Nails
White Fungus on Nails

If your nails are showing signs of white marks, any one of the causes listed below could be the reason behind the problem. Sometimes, you may find the problem being caused by a complex of other two or three causes and you might need to see a doctor to have it treated. Here are the causes of white marks on toenails and fingernails.

  • Fungal Infection Causes White Spots on the Nails: Fungal infections on the nails are the most common cause of white patches on the nails. After pedicure and manicure, you might notice that you have the white fungus spots especially when you remove the nail polish.
  • Allergic Reaction on Nails: Your nails could be showing white patches because of an allergic reaction to nail polish that you are using, nail polish remover or even nail hardener.
  • Zinc and Calcium Deficiency and White Nail Spots: Lack of calcium and zinc in the body, or a deficiency of these minerals can cause white streaks on your nails. Protein deficiency is also identified as a cause of the same symptoms.
  • Systemic Diseases may show themselves with symptoms such as white stains on your nails.
  • Nail Polish Staining: If you are used to using white nail polish, you are likely to experience staining especially if you use a bad quality nail polish brand that is of low quality.
  • Dehydration and Dryness:
  • Anemia or iron deficiency may show signs of paleness or white marks on the nail beds.
  • Kidney disease may show symptoms on nails. Sometimes, your fingernails and even toenails may form white or pink patches on them because of kidney failure.
  • Liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis may be serious diseases that show symptoms such as white spots on the nails.

Symptoms of White Marks on Nails

White spots on the nails can show in different forms. In most cases, it is easy to identify them since they are white spots or streaks on toenails, or white streaks on fingernails. The patches may appear to be under the nails while some may appear as patches within the nail itself.

In case you see any of these, and the fingers or toes show signs of an infection on them, you are likely to be suffering from fungus. If it is fungus on the toenails, you might experience foot odor which occurs as a result of the infection.

How to Get Rid of White Spots on Nails

On how to get rid of white spots on toenails, you can use treatments that your doctor will recommend in order to clear up the problem. However, it will all depend on the cause of the fungus or the white patches on your nails. The following are the simple practices through which you can get rid of white spots on the nails.

  • See a doctor to treat any underlying medical problems such as kidney and liver diseases that may be the cause of white spots on your nails.
  • To get rid of white spots on toenails, eat a well balanced diet and rich in calcium, zinc and proteins to prevent the formation of white marks and streaks on the nails.
  • Allow the spots time to grow out especially if they were caused by trauma on the nails.
  • Take zinc supplements in order to remove white fingernail spots.

Further, we have discussed other ways on how to remove white spots on toenails and fingernails. See below options on how to go about this to eliminate the problem fast.

How to Remove White Spots on ToenailsWhite Spots on Nails

You can remove white marks and patches on toenails and fingernails easily using home remedies and treatments that your doctor will prescribe. However, if the blotches and spots are caused by a fungal infection as discussed above, the simple way on how to remove white spots on nails would be to scape them off gently before applying an antifungal ointment or topical medication.

Eating more eggs that are hard boiled can help you remove white spots on your nails. They are rich in zinc. A deficiency of zinc in the body is likely to cause white patches and spots on the nails. Eat eggs to supply the body with zinc and remove the white blotches on the nails.

Home Remedies for White Spots on Nails

Home remedies toenail fungus can help you get rid of the white spots and marks. Usually, home treatments are cheap and can be applied without the instruction of a doctor. The following home remedies for toenail fungus can be applied to get rid of the problem.

  • Diet full of zinc, calcium and vitamins will act as a long term natural remedy or home remedy for the white patches and streaks on nails. This will help you keep healthy nails.
  • Use local ointments that may contain camphor and menthol to get rid of white nail fungus at home.
  • Apply 100% tea tree oil on the affected nails as a topical treatment, three to four times a day.
  • Soak your nails in vinegar solution (1:1 ratio with water) for about 30 minutes to get rid of toenail fungus at home.

If you find that your home cures and treatments do not work, you should see your doctor to determine the cause of the problem. The physician will prescribe the most appropriate treatment after determining the cause of the white spots on the nails.

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