Not many people know that the white spots on the nails are called leuconichia. Usually, this problem seems to be just a cosmetic defect, which is not paid attention. Meanwhile, white spots may indicate health problems. Leukonichia occurs in people of different age categories, including children.
Features of the problem
White spots on the nails appear due to disruption of the structure of the nail plate, caused by pathological processes of keratization and keratinization. Microscopic air bubbles form between the layers of the nails. This problem has only external signs. Man does not feel any painful feelings at all.
In case of occurrence of white specks on fingernails or nails it is necessary to address to the doctor for finding-out of the reason. Someone will say that they eventually pass by themselves. This is true. But leukonichia can only be an external manifestation of a serious pathological process in the body. If the dermatologist does not detect injuries and nail fungus, then you will have to visit other specialists.
The reasons for the appearance of white spots on the nails are described in this video:
Classification of leukonichia
Leukonichia can manifest itself in one of four possible forms:
- Limited. Most often occurs with mechanical damage to nail plates.
- Spot. This form is more common than others, arising from mechanical damage to nail plates( improper care, bumps, etc.).
- Striped. If the streaks have spread all over the nail, urgently need to conduct a checkup to exclude poisoning with arsenic or thallium( Mei strips).
- Total. This form of leukonichia is most common in children and adolescents. It can occur as a result of a fungal lesion, as well as being evidence of an infectious process or injury to internal organs.
Reasons for the occurrence of
There are a number of reasons, external and internal, due to which the nails may appear white spots.
External factors
- mechanical trauma( blow, jamming, damage by manicure tools, etc.)
- gluing of nails from substandard artificial material
- frequent nail extensions
- use of substandard lacquers
- use of acetone to remove lacquer residues on nails
- permanent contact with chemicals
- the habit to gnaw nails
- narrow uncomfortable shoes
Internal factors
- fungal lesions
- vitamin deficiency
- anemia
- is not enoughcurrent in the body of magnesium, zinc, potassium, iron
- constant diet
- bulimia and anorexia
- metabolic disorders
- unbalanced diet
- deficit
- erythrocyte blood problems in the cardio-vascular liver pathology
- system or renal
- constant stress
The development Leukonychia mayaffect several factors at once. If on the outgrown nail there are white spots, most likely they arose during mechanical damage.
Symptoms of white spots on the nails
| Leukonichia form | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Limited | White dots appear on one or two nails. Spots have a tiny size. |
| Spot | White spots on the nails are small. |
| Striped | Characterized by the appearance of white or pink stripes on the nails. |
| Total | This form of pathology is characterized by a complete change in the shape, color and structure of the nail plate. |
Causes and symptoms of the appearance of white spots on the nails in adults and children are similar.
This video is dedicated to the treatment of white spots on the nails:
Diagnosis
The appearance of white specks on the nails is an occasion to consult a dermatologist. After visual inspection, he will appoint additional examination methods:
- scraping for the detection of fungus
- analysis for trace elements
During the examination, the dermatologist aims to exclude onychomycosis( infectious fungal disease) and Mei strips arising from arsenic and thallium poisoning. If these pathologies are not confirmed, then the consultation of other specialists will also be required:
- of the cardiologist
- of the gastroenterologist
- of the neurologist
- of the hematologist
- of the nephrologist
- of the endocrinologist
. The treatment is prescribed in accordance with the results of the examination. If necessary, the main therapy is carried out in relation to the identified disease, which caused leukonichia.
Photo of leukonychia of nails
Treatment of
First and foremost, leukonichia treatment will be aimed at eliminating the causes that caused pathology. The physician can prescribe:
- general measures
- topical therapy
- treatment of the underlying disease
The medications for treating the same problem in children and adults differ. For children, a doctor will choose a set of procedures, medicines with a minimum of side effects and a softer effect.
Therapeutic methods of
These include general measures that will be useful to everyone:
- changing the diet by enriching it with foods rich in vitamins and trace elements( it is recommended to eat more vegetables, fruits, greens, fermented milk products);
- reception of vitamin complexes, for example, Medobieotin, Perfetil, Alphabet Cosmetic, Revalid, Special Mergs and others;
- the proper care for nails and hands;
- limitation of contact with household chemicals;
- use of quality cosmetic products for the care of hands and nails;
- normalization of sleep and rest;
- shield yourself from stressful situations.
Medication Therapy
Treatment of leukonichia can be directed to fight with fungus in diagnosing onychomycosis. For this use as ointments, patches and topical varnishes, and tablets, for example: Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketonazole, Terbinafine. For the treatment of fungal diseases, children usually use topical agents.
Treatment of leukonichia caused by improper care, unbalanced nutrition and stress, can be performed by a cosmetologist using professional tools and procedures( baths, massages, nail polish strengthening lacquers, Academie Derm Acte multivitamin cream).
Operations
Surgical intervention in the form of removal of the nail plate by surgery can be required only in the most neglected situation, when the nail has lost its color, the structure has completely disrupted and it simply collapses. In the future, the nail plate will grow again.
Folk methods
Sometimes, to eliminate white spots from the nail plate, there are enough time-tested folk remedies. You can independently make healing baths and applications. These tools are characterized by efficiency, availability and security.
Baths with sea salt
For a procedure in one liter of warm water you need to dissolve a teaspoon of sea salt. To do a bath for a quarter of an hour. After the procedure, apply a nourishing cream to the hands and nails. If there is no allergy, then in the saline solution can add a few drops of essential oil of lemon, bergamot, myrrh, sandalwood or tea tree. Garlic clove garlic and cut into thin plates. Apply them to the affected nails or rub them gently. After half an hour wash off with warm water.
Lemon-oil bath
In a bowl, mix half the lemon juice with a small amount of any cosmetic oil. It can be olive, almond, lavender or jojoba oil. The solution should be slightly heated. The procedure time is 15 minutes.
Herbal baths
The basis of this bath is a decoction of the oak bark. To make it, you need to make a tablespoon of oak bark with a liter of boiling water and insist. Here you can add chamomile, calendula or mint. Hands must be lowered into a very warm solution. After a 15-minute procedure, get your hands wet and cream.
Oil applications
For carrying out of procedures 1-2 times a day it is necessary to rub oil in nail plates. For this purpose you can take:
- fish oil
- olive or linseed oil( here you can add a couple more drops of lemon juice)
- preparation AEVIT
- a mixture of olive oil, AEVIT and iodine taken in the proportion of 60 ml: 5 drops: 5 drops
Prophylaxisdiseases
To prevent the appearance of white spots on the nails caused by external factors, it is possible, if:
- to avoid injuries of nail plates
- manicure to perform by sparing methods and means
- during contact with household chemicals to use gloves
- fullyto eat
- to avoid stressful situations
If you have internal diseases, follow the doctor's recommendations. If necessary, after a course of treatment, additional tests should be performed.
Complications of
Leukonichia itself does not cause serious complications and is well tolerated. Timely therapy allows to avoid negative manifestations of the disease. With a serious cosmetic defect, you may need to remove the nail surgically.
Prognosis
Leukonichia is a pathology that can be dealt with in general easily if it is not caused by any more serious disease. Follow the doctor's recommendations, love, pamper yourself and be healthy!
More information about how to get rid of leukonichias is contained in this video: