If you notice white patches on your fingernail, you likely suffer from leukonychia, a fairly common condition that manifests in various forms.
While the presence of a white patch on a fingernail is usually temporary and harmless, it can sometimes indicate underlying complications, which underscores the importance of remaining vigilant and seeking medical intervention when necessary.
To clarify your potential doubts, especially if you are wondering about the correlation between white patches on nails and vitiligo, we will explore all the insights in this Kayakalp Global guide.
What are the Types of Leukonychia?
Since there are different types of leukonychia, understanding the types makes it easier to distinguish the potential causes and identify the extent and the patterns associated with the condition.
Following are the types you need to be aware of:
| Type of Leukonychia | Potential Causes | Symptoms |
| True Leukonychia | This condition can be total (leukonychia totalis), affecting the entire nail, or partial (leukonychia partialis), appearing as spots or streaks | Discoloration originates from the nail matrix (the base of the nail) |
| Apparent Leukonychia | It is often linked to systemic conditions like liver disease, kidney issues, or malnutrition | The white patches are caused by changes in the nail bed, not the nail plate |
| Punctate Leukonychia | Often caused by minor trauma, such as excessive nail biting, manicures, or injuries | Small, white spots appear randomly on the nails |
| Longitudinal Leukonychia | It can be associated with nail infections or systemic illnesses | White streaks or lines run parallel along the nail |
| Transverse Leukonychia | May indicate exposure to heavy metals, chemotherapy, or systemic illness like liver or kidney disease | White horizontal bands across the nail |
Awareness of the types of leukonychia or white spots on the fingernails enables you to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Are White Spots on Fingernails a Sign of Vitiligo?
Since the manifestation of white spots on the skin is usually a primary sign and symptom of vitiligo, a common question that many people have is correlating white spots on fingernails with vitiligo.
But, is it always the case?
To explain in simple words: Not all white spots on fingernails are a sign of vitiligo, but you will be prone to developing white spots on the nails if you have vitiligo.
- If the white spots on your fingernails keep spreading instead of remaining localised only to your nails, there is a high chance that it is a symptom of vitiligo. In such instances, it means that your body’s melanogenesis is inhibited, thereby the visible depigmentation on the skin.
- People with vitiligo may experience nail changes like loss of the lunula (the white crescent at the base of the nail), white spots on the nail, or a general discoloration due to the nail’s lack of melanin production in the nail bed.
If you notice significant changes in your nails, including widespread white spots, unusual nail patterns, or white spots accompanied by other symptoms like skin discolouration (especially if you suspect vitiligo), that’s when our vitiligo specialists at Kayakalp Global come into the picture.
What are the Common Symptoms Associated with White Spots on Fingernails?
The appearance of white patches or spots on the fingernails can vary, accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the condition’s cause.
Some of the common associated symptoms you need to look out for are:
- White spots, streaks or patches on the nail plate
- Brittle or weak nails that chip easily
- Thickening or rough texture of the nails (usually a sign of fungal infection)
- Discolouration, usually yellow or brown in colour
- Ridges or dents along the nail surface
In some cases, these symptoms associated with the white spots on the fingernails might be temporary and resolve on their own. However, in cases where white patches spread, persist, or are accompanied by pain or swelling, you need to consult a specialist to check the issue out.
How are White Patches and Spots on Fingernails Diagnosed?
If you notice that the white spots on your fingernails don’t resolve over time and instead keep spreading or are accompanied by other symptoms, you will need to consult a specialist.
Early diagnosis and medical interventions are necessary to prevent any underlying conditions from worsening.
Some of the most common and effective diagnostic tests include:
Physical examination – This involves assessing the nail, the pattern of the white patches, and their texture and growth pattern. You will also be checked for other white patches on the skin to determine whether or not you have vitiligo.
Medical history – If this is the first time you notice the white spots on your fingernails, you will need to undergo a thorough medical history and assessment to identify past injuries and your diet, medication usage, and family history.
Blood tests – If the white spots on your fingernails are due to an underlying chronic condition like anaemia, liver disease, or vitamin deficiencies, you’d need to get blood tests to rule out these potential complications, too.
Nail scraping or biopsy – If a fungal infection is suspected, a sample is taken for laboratory analysis to confirm what kind of infection you are suffering from and tailor the treatment plan accordingly.
Read Also:- Nail Psoriasis Treatment, Nail Psoriasis: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
How are White Spots on Fingernails Treated?
Treating the white spots on your fingernails usually depends on the complication you are dealing with.
For example, if your white spots on the fingernails are due to vitiligo, you’d need to consult our specialists at Kayakalp Global to get a personalised treatment plan.
Since numerous causes can lead to the development of white spots on the fingernails, the treatment is curated according to the cause:
| Potential Causes | Targeted Treatment |
| For Fungal Infections | Antifungal creams, oral antifungal medication, or medicated nail polish may be prescribed |
| For Nutritional Deficiencies | May recommend vitamin and mineral supplements |
| For Allergic Reactions | Avoid using products containing harsh chemicals like formaldehyde or acetone. Anti-histamines might be prescribed to mellow down the allergic reactions |
| For Systemic Conditions | Treatment of underlying kidney, liver, or metabolic disorders is necessary |
| For Autoimmune Disorders | For cases like vitiligo, topical corticosteroids, oral immunomodulatory medications, phototherapy, etc., are recommended |
Are There Ways to Prevent White Spots on Fingernails?
Unless the condition is caused by underlying chronic, inflammatory, systemic or autoimmune complications, there are certain preventive measures you can take to keep the white spots on your fingernails at bay:
- Daily, include zinc, biotin, iron, and calcium-rich foods to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
- Use hand creams and oils to prevent dryness and nail brittleness and keep the nails healthy.
- Be gentle with manicures and protect nails from injuries since that is one of the most common reasons behind the formation of white spots.
- Keep nails clean, trimmed, and dry to prevent infections, especially fungal infections, which lead to white spots.
- Choose nail polish and other nail products free of harsh chemicals that won’t cause infections or injuries.
Need Expert Consultation for Nail Health?
Don’t worry anymore if you are worried about the white spots on your fingernails or wondering whether it is an early sign of vitiligo. Our specialists at Kayakalp Global offer holistic consultations where you can discuss the symptoms and get a thorough evaluation of your condition – putting all your worries to rest.
Not just vitiligo, our specialists can also help you with the diagnosis of other underlying complications that could be causing the white spots on the nails. With an early diagnosis, you can bid goodbye to all your worries.
You can contact our team at +91-9599794433 to schedule your consultation.
