Have you noticed white spots on your toenails? If so, should you be concerned? 

Many people grow white spots on their toenails. Some patients even experience total whitening of the nail. Whether partial or full whitening, what causes white spots on your toenails?

Here’s what you should know about white spots on your nails. 

Causes of White Spots on Toenails

Typically, healthy nails are soft pink in color. There is a lighter colored semi-circle at the nail base called the lunula, which varies in size from toe to toe and patient to patient. These are normal features of the toenails.

However, some patients develop white spots on their nails. White spots or stripes on the nail characterize the condition is known as leukonychia. Depending on the case, these spots vary in size, coverage, shape, and location. 

Leukonychia is linked to several causes, including: 

• Vitamin Deficiencies – “Mineral and nutritional deficiency can lead to white spots on toenails. Zinc, vitamin E, and calcium are key in the maintenance of healthy nails and hair,” says New Health Advisor.
• Injury – “Sometimes white lines appear within the toenail. These may be caused by recurring trauma,” advises the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. “White lines may also occur due to a medical illness or trauma that has occurred elsewhere in the body, causing protein to be deposited within the nail bed.”
• Fungal Infections – “Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail,” explains Mayo Clinic. “As the fungal infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge.”
• Underlying Health Problems – According to DermNet NZ, leukonychia may also be associated with diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, heart failure, psoriasis, and other serious conditions. 
• Side Effects, Poisoning, and Allergic Reactions – Chemotherapy, lead poisoning, and even allergies to nail polish and other products can cause leukonychia. 
• Genetics – In rare cases, patients may experience congenital leukonychia. 

If you have white spots on your toenails, how can you tell what is causing them? 

What to do About White Spots on Toenails

Since the causes of leukonychia vary drastically in seriousness, we advise visiting your podiatrist for help diagnosing the condition. 

In most patients, white spots on the toenail will go away on their own, growing out with the nail. However, when leukonychia is linked to an underlying health problem, it is necessary to diagnose and treat the cause. 

If you have persistent white spots on your toenails or fingernails, consider seeking professional medical attention.

Foot Doctor Near Me

Paying attention to the condition of your feet – including toes and toenails – is an important part of caring for your overall health. In some cases, symptoms show on the feet can indicate underlying conditions. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your podiatric health, please contact us at Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle. Our team of skilled physicians serves Central Valley residents with offices in Fresno, Porterville, and Visalia.