What Do White Spots On Nails Really Mean
White spots on the nails can mean a few things, but the most common cause is the mistreatment of the nails, says Eskander.
“When white spots are located within the nail plate and cannot be scraped or removed easily, they are called punctuate leukonychia and are due to trauma to the nail matrix aka the half-moon area where the nail grows from,” explains Dr. Dana Stern, a board-certified dermatologist, and nail specialist. “These white marks will grow out as the nail grows and are especially common in children who are more trauma prone and also have much thinner, less protective nail plates.”
Wearing your nail polish for an extended period can also cause white spots on the nails. These are called keratin granulations. The good news is they can be removed easily with DIY techniques.
Another type of white patch on the nail is known as white superficial onychomycosis, says Dr. Stern. “This chalky white appearance at the nail is due to fungus that invades the superficial layers of the nail plate.”
VIDEO: Everything You Need to Know About Getting Gel Manicures
How Common Is Psoriatic Nail Disease
About 1 in 50 people have psoriasis at some time in their lives. It can first develop at any age but it most often starts between the ages of 15 and 30 years. Nail changes occur in about half of all people with psoriasis, so about 1 in a 100 people.
About 4 in every 5 people with psoriatic arthritis have psoriatic nail disease. See the separate leaflet called Psoriatic Arthritis for more details.
Only a few people have psoriatic nail disease without having psoriasis affecting either their skin or their joints.
Can Fingernails Show Signs Of Illness
Yep. According to the NHS, splitting nails may indicate over-exposure to harsh chemicals , psoriasis, and thyroid problems as well as indicating that your nails might have dealt with repeated trauma, like biting.
Yellow-tinged nails might mean that youve got a fungal infection. If you do notice any major changes, its wise to head to your GP and get them checked out.
Also Check: Vick Vaporub For Nail Fungus
Also Check: How Well Does Fungi Nail Work
Comparative Studies With Systemic Therapies
The efficacy of biologics has not only been a matter of research but differences in the occurrence of adverse events have also been investigated. A prospective, randomized, open-label study compared the incidence of onychomycosis in 315 patients with nail psoriasis treated with infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab, and a statistically positive association between fungal infections and the use of infliximab was shown . At the end of week 24, 33 % of patients receiving infliximab had a positive fungal culture. In patients receiving etanercept and adalimumab, and controls, this percentage was 15.5, 13.3, and 13.9 %, respectively. On the other hand, NAPSI improved more in infliximab-treated patients than in patients receiving etanercept and adalimumab .
The preliminary conclusions that can be drawn from these studies are that conventional therapies are less powerful and are slower-acting treatments for nail psoriasis than biologics, possibly with the exception of cyclosporine. No single biologic appears to be superior above another biologic. Evidence suggests that infliximab may act faster, but after 1 year of treatment these potential differences have vanished. On the other hand, the use of infliximab may result in higher percentages of onychomycosis.
Nail Infection Needs Treatment Too
A nail infection can develop if you have nail psoriasis. Because a nail infection can look a lot like nail psoriasis, its important to find out if you have an infection. Testing, which usually consists of scraping the nail, can find an infection. If you have a nail infection, treatment can get rid of it.
Read Also: Does Nail Fungus Grow Out
Your Nail Got A Little Banged Up
There are plenty of reasons a person may spot leukonychia on their nails. One of the most common reasons is trauma to the nail plate, which can occur from nail-biting, manicuring, pedicuring, hitting or banging the nails or wearing tight shoes, per DermNet NZ.
These white spots tend to go away over time as the affected nail grows â this tends to take anywhere from six to nine months.
Total leukonychia may occur after a more serious injury to the nail.
Inhibition Of Tumor Necrosis Factor
Infliximab
Several studies have proven the beneficial effect of infliximab on nail psoriasis, both in PsA and PP patients, and also in patients with severe nail psoriasis at baseline . No differences between efficacy in nail bed and nail matrix psoriasis have been reported. Patients with a high PASI response have a more rapid and profound nail response than patients with a poorer PASI response . In addition, QoL improves during infliximab treatment in nail psoriasis .
Infliximab appears to be equally effective for the treatment of nail psoriasis in patients with PsA and PP. Bianchi et al. reported on nine patients with PP and 16 patients with arthropathic psoriasis who were treated for 16 weeks in an open-label, non-controlled, prospective study . At week 16, NAPSI improvement in PP patients was 64.7 %, and 60.7 % in PsA patients.
Prospective and retrospective studies comparing several systemic and biologic therapies have been conducted and will be discussed in Sect. 9. The efficacy of infliximab in these trials is in the same range as in the above-mentioned studies.
Considering the results of these studies, one can conclude that while nail response generally lags behind cutaneous response in these patients, similar excellent degrees of response can be attained following 612 months of infliximab treatment. Comparing data from trials on all discussed biologics, infliximab might be the fastest-acting treatment for nail psoriasis.
Adalimumab
Etanercept
Golimumab
Also Check: How To Remove Nail Polish From Carpet
For Best Results From Treatment
Treating nail psoriasis can be a challenge. It often takes time to treat. To get results, you need to treat your nails as directed and for as long as directed. Some patients need to try a few treatments to find one that works.
The right nail care can help you get the best results from treatment. Youll find out what dermatologists recommend at: 7 easy-to-follow nail care tips that can reduce nail psoriasis
ImagesImages used with permission of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. J Am Acad Dermatol 2013 69:249.
ReferencesCrowley JJ, Weinberg JM, et al. Treatment of nail psoriasis: Best practice recommendations from the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation. JAMA Dermatol. 2015 Jan 151:87-94.Dogra A, Arora AK. Nail psoriasis: The journey so far. Indian J Dermatol. 2014 Jul 59:319-33.Lin YK, Chang YC, et al. A Chinese herb, indigo naturalis, extracted in oil used topically to treat psoriatic nails: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2015 Jun 151:672-4.Manhart R, Rich P. Nail psoriasis. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2015 Sep-Oct 33:7-13.van der Velden HMJ, Klaassen KMG, et al. Fingernail psoriasis reconsidered: A case-control study. J Am Acad Dermatol 2013 Aug 69:245-52.
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology
The American Academy of Dermatology gratefully acknowledges the support from Bristol Myers Squibb.
How Do You Get Rid Of White Spots On Nails
If the result of trauma, Dr. Frank says you will typically have to let your nails grow out. If its an allergic reaction, avoid the allergen, he says. If you believe it could be a fungus , youll want to see your dermatologist for an antifungal medication.
Its also always a good idea to eat foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids in order to benefit overall nail health. This includes salmon, eggs, lean meats, and greens.
Read Also: How Much Can Nail Techs Make
Also Check: How To Treat Fingernail Fungus Caused By Acrylic Nails
What Is Nail Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition in which the skin cells multiply faster than they should. This can also apply to the nails, which may become thickened, develop small holes, or change in color or shape. Nail psoriasis will affect about 90% of patients who experience psoriasis symptoms on their skin and is more common among adults. Patients who experience nail psoriasis are also at a higher risk for psoriatic arthritis.
What Are White Spots On Nails And How Do They Look
White spots on nails or leukonychia partialis is a kind of partial white discoloration of nails. The word leukonychia is derived from two Greek terms, leuko and onyx . Depending on how the white spots appear on your nails, you may have either of these three types of partial leukonychia :
- Leukonychia Striata
If the white spot on your nail appears as a horizontal band running parallel to the lunula , you may have leukonychia striata. These are also called Mees lines and generally outgrow with the nail over time.
- Longitudinal Leukonychia
Longitudinal leukonychia appears as multiple pale white bands at least 1mm thick that run parallel to the base of the nail.
- Leukonychia Punctata
Leukonychia punctata is the most common type of leukonychia and looks like small white dots on the nails. These generally disappear over time. However, as the nail grows, the number and pattern of the spots may change.
The most common cause of white spots on nails is injury or trauma to the matrix . Lets see some other potential reasons why white spots form on nails.
Also Check: How Long Are Roofing Nails
Your Nails Have White Spots
Many people get white spots on their nails, a condition called leukonychia. Sometimes, these are caused by injury or from biting or picking your nails, meaning white spots alone don’t necessarily mean your psoriasis is progressing. However, leukonychia can be a sign of psoriatic nails, particularly if you also notice some of these other changes, like pitting. The best way to treat leukonychia is generally managing its underlying cause.
Home Remedies For White Spots On Toenails After Removing Polish
The following self-care tips at home can help you avoid and treat white spots on toenails
- Keep your nails and cuticles moisturized to avoid dryness of skin and development of white spots on nails.
- Change nail polish once in 4-5 days. Allow your nails to be free from nail polish for a few days before applying it again.
- Use of natural home remedies which have anti-infective, antibacterial and antifungal properties to nails and cuticles prevent infections and subsequently avoid development of white spots.
Some of the below-mentioned home remedies also have excellent anti-oxidant properties
- Tea tree oil
Eat a well-balanced diet along with adequate hydration to maintain a good nutritional status.
In women, especially those who have attained menopause, it is important to visit the doctor regularly to check bone mineral density and blood test for serum calcium. This is because calcium depletion occurs rapidly post-menopause.
As mentioned above, white spots on toenails are harmless in most conditions and therefore do not require any specific treatment. However, you need to visit a doctor if the spots start becoming unusually large or worsen along with other signs and symptoms.
Also Check: Pure Encapsulations Hair Skin Nails Ultra Reviews
Your Nails Are Discolored
Youll also want to watch out for oil drops, which are irregular yellow-brown patches visible through the nail plate, says Dr. Garshick. Sometimes, the spots are called salmon patches, because of their coloring. You can identify these by looking for a yellowish-brown spot nestled between a white oily patch and the pink part of your nail. It may be possible to treat mild cases with a topical retinoid, but you might need a combination of oral medication and ultraviolet radiation therapy if your nail psoriasis has progressed, according to the AAD.
The Link Between Psoriasis And The Immune System
No one ever really considered that the immune system had any real role in psoriasis, or its painful outbreaks. Not until a new drug Cyclosporine was offered to arthritis patients. What happened next was both surprising and unexpected. Patients who were prescribed the immune suppressing drug for their arthritis symptoms , began to report a decrease in their skin attacks. Without warning, researchers were faced with the theory that the immune system could be causing psoriasis.
It didnt take long before researchers began to figure out the mystery of psoriasis in regards to how the immune system can impact it.
The Role of the Immune System on the Skin
The immune system is responsible for standing guard and attacking any invaders which penetrate the body. Since the skins main job is to act as the bodys first defense mechanism against invasion, it is no wonder that the immune system works in close connection with each layer of the skin. Heres how it all works:
1. Immune cells patrol the entire body for dangers. White Spots on Nails Psoriasis
2. When an invader is detected, these immune send out chemical and nervous system messages to the immune system to ready itself for an attack
You May Like: What Size Nails For Vinyl Siding
Common Types Of Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis.
Its symptoms are dry skin lesions, known as plaques, covered in scales.
They normally appear on your elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but can appear anywhere on your body.
The plaques can be itchy or sore, or both. In severe cases, the skin around your joints may crack and bleed.
When Should You Consult A Doctor
Consult your doctor if you are worried about the white spots on your nail or if you suspect that you have a fungal infection causing the discoloration. Some signs include:
- Well-defined white spots on nails
- White spots that appear to be spreading
- Pitted and flaky spots
- Foul smell from the nails
The doctor will decide on the right course of treatment after diagnosing the reason behind the discoloration.
Read Also: What Is The Best Quality Nail Polish
Symptoms For Nail Psoriasis
Fingernail psoriasis is more common than toenail psoriasis. It is characterized by yellowing and pits all over the nail surface.
Psoriasis nail is more likely to detach your nail from the nail bed, leading to nail loss. Fungal infections rarely lead to nail detachment.
The nail may break or entirely pull apart, leaving a gap between your fingertip and the nail.
Pits become deeper with time and sometimes even holes are formed. Nails become very dry and many ridges are formed, altering the appearance of your nails.
Other Causes Of White Spots On Nails:
Some other causes of white spots on the nail may be:
- Allergic reaction
Less commonly, these more severe issues may cause white spots on the nails:
- Poor health
- Zinc deficiency
- Hyperthyroidism
If you arenât sure what could be causing white spots on your nails, and they are popping up a lot or all of the sudden, it is likely time to speak with your doctor about the white spots to make sure nothing more serious is going on.
Don’t Miss: What Size Acrylic Nail Brush Is Best For Beginners
Nail Psoriasis Or Fungus How To Know When To See A Doctor
Imagine a great mani-pedi session leaving your hands and feet feeling soft and clean. Sounds great right? But wait? Are you seeing some unusual changes on your nails? Discoloration? An unseen spot? Cracking? Your nails might be trying to tell something.
Our nails are made up of keratin-the same protein that makes up your skin and hair. There are times when the keratin structure is altered, damaged, or taken over by fungal infections.
It is not uncommon to have trouble with your nails. However, sometimes it can get complex if not treated timely. You may be suffering from nail fungus or nail psoriasis.
Nail fungus or Onychomycosis is an infection caused by fungus growing in your nails. It is a contagious disease that begins as a white or yellow spot on your nails. The fungus can spread rapidly infecting your entire nail. It may even turn brown or black if left untreated.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease. People suffering from this disease have red, scaly patches on their skin. Psoriasis is a genetic autoimmune disease that spreads to your chest, trunk, fingernails, and toenails. Fingernail and toenail psoriasis is caused due to psoriasis.
Toenails and fingernails are susceptible to both of these nail infections. If you notice any of the below-mentioned symptoms, you must seek help from your dermatologist immediately.
Which Age Group Tends To Get White Spots On Their Nails
White spots can appear at any age, especially if you work in a job that involves heavy-duty use of your hands.
However, we know that children often experience white marks on their nails and this is most likely due to the fact that their nails are thinner. This is because they are younger and of course more likely to knock the nails whilst playing. Many children also bite their nails which will be a contributory factor, explains Dabbs.
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Nail Fungus Fast
Who Gets Nail Psoriasis
Nail psoriasis affects 90% of patients with chronicplaque psoriasis at some time in their life. It is more common in adults with a prevalence of up to 80%, compared to children in whom it has been reported in 713%. In the absence of skin or joint disease, psoriatic nail disease has been described in 510% of adults.
Psoriatic nail disease may be a risk factor the development of psoriatic arthritis and is often associated with prolonged severe cutaneous psoriasis.
Nail psoriasis can affect all races and age groups, and both sexes, although a male predominance has been reported in one large case series.
Vitamin D3 Derivates: Calcipotriol Tacalcitol Calcitriol
Vitamin D analogs regulate epidermal cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as production and release of proinflammatory cytokines. Topical formulations containing vitamin D3 and vitamin D analogs are effective treatments for PP, both as monotherapies and in fixed combinations with corticosteroids. Vitamin D3 derivates appear to be more effective in treating nail bed signs of psoriasis than in nail matrix signs. Studies using calcitriol in the treatment of nail psoriasis are rare. One case was reported whereby the patient responded well to treatment with calcitriol ointment however, it was not completely clear whether this patient suffered from nail psoriasis. One RCT compared calcitriol ointment twice daily with betamethasone diproprionate on subungual hyperkeratosis . After 20 weeks, nails treated with calcitriol had a 38 % reduction in thickness compared with a 35 % reduction seen in nails treated with betamethasone diproprionate .
Recommended Reading: How To Hang Posters Without Nails
