Any changes in pigmentation skin or on the nail plates mean that some disturbances have occurred in our body, which in no case should be ignored, simply hiding the external defect with the help decorative cosmetics. If spots on the nails of your fingers or toes appear in small quantity and completely disappear as the nail plates grow, there is no reason for strong concern. But the regular appearance of spots or stripes on the nails is a symptom of leukonychia. The reasons for the development of this pathology can be very different and the color of the spots on the nail plates can be white, black, dark brown, dark blue, yellow, purple. Spots can appear on the same places on the nail plate, be located in a certain order relative to each other, and have different shapes and sizes. Even a visual inspection of the spots that appear on the nails helps a specialist identify the cause of the pathology.
Leukonychia appears as a result of disruption of the process of keratinization (keratization) as the nail grows and microscopic voids turn into spots white. After mechanical damage to the upper phalanx of the finger, dark and even dark spots may form on the nail bed under the plate. black spot. Fungal and some infectious diseases can cause deformation of the nail plate, as well as the appearance of yellow, brown or white spots on the nails. Very often, white spots appear on the nails of the fingers and toes if the body does not have enough microelements and vitamins in the required quantities. Leukonychia can be dotted (small spots), stripe-like (horizontal or vertical stripes), total (damage to the entire plate with spots different shapes), as well as limited (partial damage to some areas of the plate).
♦ WHAT DO STAINS ON NAILS LOOK LIKE
❶
Deficiency of vitamins and microelements.
- in the photo: white stripes and dots
❷
Onychomycosis.
- in the photo: brown spots
❸
Nail psoriasis.
- in the photo: dark stripes, black dots
❹
Kidney problems.
- on the picture: White spot in the hole area
❺
Respiratory problems.
- in the photo: dark bluish spots
❻
Injuries, pinching.
- in the photo: bruise on the nail bed
❼
Dysbacteriosis.
- in the photo: leukonychia in the form of small spots
♦ EXTERNAL CAUSES OF STAINS ON NAILS
Injuries.
Bruised toes and pinched fingers lead to the appearance of white stripes and oblong spots on the nail plates. Often bruises appear under the nails in the form of dark and even black large spots;
Onychophagia.
The bad habit of biting your nails can lead to delamination of the plates and the appearance of white wavy spots on the nails;
Nail polish removers.
Frequent use of nail polish removers or gel polish containing solvents (especially acetone) can cause thinning of the plate with the appearance of small elongated white spots;
Use of low-quality varnishes.
Low-quality varnishes and other decorative coating products may have an unbalanced composition of active substances, which leads to the appearance of large yellow spots;
Manicure, nail design.
Yellow or light gray spots appear on thinned natural nails after frequent gel nail extensions and subsequent removal of the hardened gel. White stripes gradually form on fragile nails if you remove the cuticle very harshly during trimming manicure;
Household chemicals.
Chaotically located white spots on yellowed fingernails often appear with constant contact with household chemicals no gloves;
Tight shoes.
Constantly wearing shoes that are too tight or very narrow leads to deformation of the nail plates on the toes, with the subsequent development of onychocryptosis (ingrown toenail) and the appearance of wavy or oblong spots. The nail is especially susceptible to deformation thumb.
Smoking.
This bad habit often leads to the appearance of yellowness on the skin of the fingers and macular spot on the side of the nail.
♦ INTERNAL CAUSES OF STAINS ON NAILS
▪ Nail psoriasis.
Characteristic signs of psoriasis include: deformation of the plates and their mottled with small dents; "Oil stain syndrome" is bright red or pink; hemorrhages under the nails in the form of elongated spots of brown, dark red or black color;
▪ Hepatitis, cirrhosis.
One of the symptoms of these diseases is the appearance of horizontal stripes or white spots of uncertain shape on the nail plates;
▪ Metabolic disorders.
If white stripes appear on the nails, which are located in pairs across the plate, then most likely the body’s metabolism is disturbed. Often this symptom accompanies a protein metabolism disorder;
▪ Depression, nervous exhaustion.
Constant stress greatly depletes the nervous system and this affects the health of the nail plates. If single white spots of different sizes often appear on your nails, then try to avoid constant stressful situations;
▪ Strict diet.
All methods of losing weight associated with limiting the consumption of certain foods can lead to drying and brittle nails, the appearance of dark spots of various shapes or white stripes on them. It is important that the diet includes foods rich in vitamins and microelements (iron, zinc, calcium, iodine, manganese);
▪ Dysbacteriosis.
Dotted white spots on the nail plates can be a symptom of dysbiosis. If the balance of intestinal microflora is disturbed, contact a gastroenterologist so that a specialist can help you adjust your diet and prescribe suitable dietary supplements;
▪ Diseases of the respiratory system.
Any problems with the respiratory system can lead to the appearance of dark bluish spots on the nails (pleurisy, bronchitis, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, acute cough, bronchial asthma, Respiratory failure);
▪ Chronic renal failure.
The formation of white spots at the bottom of the nail may be a sign of chronic kidney failure or other kidney diseases. If such a symptom appears, consult a nephrologist for a comprehensive examination;
▪ Heart failure.
One of the signs of the development of heart failure is that the nail holes turn red, and the tint of the plates themselves becomes bluish;
▪ Anorexia.
With anorexia, white spots may periodically appear on the nail plates, alternating with thin stripes;
▪ Enteritis, colitis.
Inflammatory processes in the small or large intestine are accompanied by dystrophic changes in the mucous membrane. Characteristic symptoms enteritis and colitis - nails become brittle and dull, the plate thickens and oblong dark spots appear on it;
▪ Hypovitaminosis.
If the body is constantly experiencing a lack of one or a whole group of vitamins, then over time the nails become pale, deformed and dots and stripes of light gray or yellowish color appear on the plates;
▪ Anemia.
The appearance of small dark dots and stripes over the entire area of the nail plates may be a symptom of low blood cell and hemoglobin levels in the blood.
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ALSO FIND OUT...
Well-groomed, neat nails always look beautiful. Moreover, based on the condition of the nails, as well as the lines on the palm, one can draw some conclusions about the person. For example, about his field of activity or health. By the way, it is logical to assume that first of all healthy nails look attractive.
But what to do if your nails are covered in spots? And is it possible to get rid of them?
What do spots on nails mean?
Stains on the nails are a common problem that is not always cosmetic in nature. And only detection of the true causes of the formation of these spots and appropriate actions aimed at restoring the body will help eliminate them.
Often, spots on the nails indicate various health problems. The Beauty Pantry will give several of the most common examples in which spots on nails indicate malfunctions in the body.
But let us immediately note that the information presented in the article is for informational purposes only and in no case can be the basis for making a diagnosis, much less self-medication! Only a complete diagnosis and consultation with a specialist can reveal the real reason health problems, and as a result – stains on the nails.
Causes of spots on nails
Spots on the nails (scientifically, leukonychia) in the most “harmless” case may indicate vitamin deficiency.
Following strict diets and long-term use of certain medications leads to the fact that the body does not receive the full range of necessary vitamins.
Vitamin deficiency also has a so-called “seasonal” nature, when in the spring the body’s immune forces sharply weaken.
Vitamins A and E, as well as calcium, zinc and iron are the elements that are primarily necessary for healthy nails.
And the lack of these components in the body can be manifested by the formation of small white spots on the nails. In this case, the solution to the problem is simple - pay attention to nutrition and adjust your diet.
White spots and sudden lines on the nails may indicate liver or kidney problems.
For example, with kidney failure, the lower half of the nail is sometimes covered with a solid white spot, while the upper half remains pink.
Yellow spots on the nails or brown shades may also indicate the presence of skin diseases. Concerns are primarily caused by those spots that appeared suddenly and within a short period of time actively spread across the nail plate.
In this case, visiting a doctor becomes mandatory. A dermatologist or therapist, by asking clarifying questions regarding your condition, will be able to give the necessary recommendations or refer you to a specific specialist.
Less common are dark or even black stains on nails. There are also several reasons for this nail condition. This is increased pigmentation and local hemorrhage.
The second, despite the scary name, is actually not that scary. Injuries and bruises of the fingers manifest themselves as hematomas, including on the nails. Black spots on the nails may indicate such a hemorrhage.
But in the absence of recent injuries, you should be wary. Increased pigmentation may be a symptom of serious problems with internal organs, in particular – with the liver.
Whatever the reasons for the stains on your nails, remember, eliminating the external manifestation (the stains themselves) does not mean solving the problem that is bothering your body, and thus signals a malfunction in its functioning.
(leukonychia) - a change in the nail plate, characterized by the appearance of dotted, stripe-like or large areas of white color. White spots on nails may be more than just harmless cosmetic defect, but indicate serious health problems. To find out the causes of white spots on the nails, it is necessary to carry out diagnostics, including consultation with a dermatologist, a study of spectral analysis of nails for microelements, and scrapings from the nail plates for pathogenic fungi. In order to eliminate white spots on the nails, it is necessary to influence the cause of their appearance: avoid injuring the nail plate, undergo a course of vitamin therapy, normalize nutrition, etc.
Characteristics of white spots on nails
Depending on the extent of the lesion, dermatology distinguishes between limited and total leukonychia. In the first case, there is a partial violation of the keratinization of the nail plate, 1-2 nails are affected; in the second case, there is complete damage to one or all nails. Based on the shape of the white spots, punctate and stripe leukonychia are distinguished. White spots on the nails can be small and multiple or large and single; white stripes - horizontal or vertical.
By the appearance and location of white spots on the nails, one can preliminarily judge one or another genesis of leukonychia. Thus, with the traumatic nature of leukonychia, the white spots on the nails are dotted, less often - stripe-like, chaotic; in these cases, total nail damage never develops. After severe nervous shock, large single white spots usually appear in the center of the nail plate, which disappear as the nail grows. With leukonychia caused by nutritional factors (improper and unbalanced diet, lack of proteins), the defect looks like paired white stripes located across the nail plate.
Multiple pinpoint white spots on the nails indicate a deficiency of microelements and vitamins. As a rule, other people also indicate hypovitaminosis associated symptoms: dry skin, hyperkeratosis, cheilitis, increased fatigue, etc. Single white spots on the nails appear in the spring in most people due to seasonal hypovitaminosis. Particularly pronounced leukonychia is usually observed in adolescents and pregnant women, whose body experiences increased needs for vitamins and minerals.
In people suffering from chronic renal failure, extensive white spots are located at the bottom of the nail; at the same time, the upper part of the nail plate has a healthy pinkish color. For diseases of cardio-vascular system white spots appear on the nail plate, acquiring a bluish tint. Total leukonychia is observed in diseases digestive system, liver; in this case, white spots can appear not only on the fingernails, but also on the toenails.
Diagnosis of the causes of white spots on nails
Health assessment based on the condition of the nail plates is a traditional diagnostic method in Chinese traditional medicine. Eastern medicine specialists believe that the energy channels that open on the fingers are connected to certain internal organs. That is why the changes occurring in the body, like in a mirror, are reflected on the surface of our nails. A sign of physical and spiritual health are smooth, even nail plates with a matte or slightly shiny surface, pink color And correct form. If white spots appear on the nails, at the first stage it is advisable to contact a dermatologist, who, if necessary, will recommend consultations with other specialists - gastroenterologist, nephrologist, cardiologist, etc. To determine the state of mineral metabolism, it is advisable to conduct a spectral analysis of nails for microelements.
Leukonychia must be differentiated from May's stripes that occur during arsenic or thallium poisoning. These strips have white-blue color, transverse arrangement and width 5 mm. You should also exclude onychomycosis, which, in addition to white spots on the nails, is characterized by thickening and discoloration of the nail plate, various deformations (ingrown nail, bird's nail), crumbling and delamination of the nail. Diagnosis of fungal nail infections is carried out by a mycologist based on the results of scrapings for pathogenic fungi from the nail plates.
Treatment of white spots on nails
Eliminating white spots on nails can only be effective if the cause of their appearance is determined. As general measures, it is recommended to avoid nervous shocks, normalize the work and rest schedule, and enrich the diet with vegetables, fruits, plant and animal proteins. If you have a problem with white spots on your nails, taking vitamins, micro- and macroelements will be helpful, which will help eliminate the deficiency of missing substances in the body.
For leukonychia that is not associated with general diseases, you can go to a beauty salon for local treatment nails using professional means care, therapeutic hand and foot baths, hand and foot massage. In addition to salon treatment at home, you can perform baths with sea salt; rub the heated mixture into your nails olive oil With lemon juice, vitamin A oil solution, fish oil, nourishing creams. At fungal infection A course of drug treatment and local treatment of nails is prescribed and carried out by a mycologist.
Preventing the appearance of white spots on nails
The old stains on the nails themselves do not pose a threat to health. However, their appearance in some cases may indicate a serious problem in the body, so this symptom should not be ignored. It is wrong to “mask” white spots on the nails with a layer of decorative varnish. On the contrary, if they appear, you should temporarily stop manicuring your nails and get diagnosed by a specialist.
When working with chemicals, hands must be protected with gloves. At salon care For hands and feet, it is better to give preference to establishments with a good reputation, gentle procedures and well-known cosmetic brands. Good nutrition and taking vitamins will help you avoid the appearance of white spots on your nails. In case of total leukonychia, first of all, it is necessary to exclude diseases of the internal organs.
Well-groomed, neat nails always look beautiful. Moreover, based on the condition of the nails, as well as the lines on the palm, one can draw some conclusions about the person. For example, about his field of activity or health. By the way, it is logical to assume that, first of all, healthy nails look attractive.
But what to do if your nails are covered in spots? And is it possible to get rid of them?
What do spots on nails mean?
Stains on the nails are a common problem that is not always cosmetic in nature. And only detection of the true causes of the formation of these spots and appropriate actions aimed at restoring the body will help eliminate them.
Often, spots on the nails indicate various health problems. The Beauty Pantry will give several of the most common examples in which spots on nails indicate malfunctions in the body.
But let us immediately note that the information presented in the article is for informational purposes only and in no case can be the basis for making a diagnosis, much less self-medication! Only a complete diagnosis and consultation with a specialist can reveal the true cause of health problems, and as a result, spots on the nails.
Why do spots appear on nails?
- Spots on the nails (scientifically, leukonychia) in the most “harmless” case may indicate vitamin deficiency.
Following strict diets and long-term use of certain medications leads to the fact that the body does not receive the full range of necessary nutrients.
Vitamin deficiency also has a so-called “seasonal” nature, when in the spring the body’s immune forces sharply weaken.
Vitamins A and E, as well as calcium, zinc and iron are the elements that are primarily necessary for healthy nails.
And the lack of these components in the body can be manifested by formation. In this case, the solution to the problem is simple - pay attention to nutrition and adjust your diet.
- White spots and sudden lines on the nails may indicate liver or kidney problems.
For example, with kidney failure, the lower half of the nail is sometimes covered with a solid white spot, while the upper half remains pink.
- or brown tints may also indicate the presence of skin diseases. Concerns are primarily caused by those spots that appeared suddenly and within a short period of time actively spread across the nail plate.
In this case, visiting a doctor becomes mandatory. A dermatologist or therapist, by asking clarifying questions regarding your condition, will be able to give the necessary recommendations or refer you to a specific specialist.
- Less common. There are also several reasons for this nail condition. This is increased pigmentation and local hemorrhage.
The second, despite the scary name, is actually not that scary. Injuries and bruises of the fingers manifest themselves as hematomas, including on the nails. Black spots on the nails may indicate such a hemorrhage.
- But in the absence of recent injuries, you should be wary. Increased pigmentation can be a symptom of serious problems with internal organs, in particular the liver.
Whatever the cause of the stains on the nails, remember, eliminating the external manifestation (the stains themselves) does not mean solving the problem that is bothering your body, and thus signals a malfunction in its functioning.
Often the nail plate undergoes such formation as dark spot on the big toe nail, which is often confused with fungus. Although it is present in the causes, it is not always the correct diagnosis. Many people let this problem take its course, but as experts say, nails reflect the internal balance of the body, so the symptoms should not be neglected. What you need to know, how to avoid and how to treat dark spots on your toenails?
What do dark spots on the toenails mean?
If you find a dark spot under your big toe nail, don’t hesitate. It’s worth making an appointment with a doctor and not putting your health at risk, because the list of possible diseases is extensive and sometimes scary. When visiting a doctor with this delicate issue, he will make a preliminary diagnosis using a method based on a simple diagram. It is important to point out that the shade of the spot greatly influences the outcome of the diagnosis, sometimes even more than the symptoms:
- White spots indicate kidney disease and gastrointestinal problems.
- Yellow: skin problems. It is worth reviewing your diet and skin care routine.
- Green, brown spots indicate a fungus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Treated with antifungal agents.
- Blue and purple: hematomas. They hurt when pressed and form stagnation of blood under the nail. It will hurt until the nail grows back.
- Dark brown: vitamin deficiency, diabetes. Review your lifestyle and diet. A course of vitamins and a balanced diet are recommended.
- Brown: chronic renal failure. Mandatory visit to the doctor.
- Black: liver problems. Mandatory visit to the doctor.
The list itself is relative and does not always suit a particular patient, but you can approximately prepare for the doctor’s verdict. Taking into account the fact that each person is unique, self-medication based on the experience of other patients is extremely inappropriate, because you can harm healthy parts of the body. A consultation with a doctor means, in most cases, the correct diagnosis and course of recovery, selected individually for each patient.
Black stripes on nails
When there is a malfunction, the body tries to indicate the problem by forming barely noticeable transverse stripes in the hollow vessels of the nail plate. Black spot on big toe nail small size signals vitamin deficiency and problems with the gastrointestinal tract. This problem applies to women on a strict diet. Doctors consider this a simple mechanical reaction and recommend switching to a balanced diet. Over time, the black spots on your toenails will disappear on their own. In the worst case, it could be subungual melanoma.
Brown spot on big toe nail
This is evidenced by an incorrect diet. Lack of folic acid and protein causes these types of problems. Nail plate has its own capillaries, similar to blood vessels. According to their condition, the body signals a reaction to an unbalanced diet, provoking the release of black pigment. Often with spots Brown women face during pregnancy, but doctors say that this phenomenon is absolutely normal, because the body should produce useful material for two.
There is a dark spot under the extended nail
If a stain appears after nail extensions, in most cases, the problem is due to an incorrect procedure. During the process, unsterile equipment may be used, hygiene rules may be violated, or the inexperience of the master may play a role. An air cell forms between the nail and the gel, in which the fungus feels very comfortable. A sign of infection is redness and pain in the bone.
It is worth undergoing a course of treatment and changing the master, because a poor-quality manicure will cause a dark spot on the nail of the big toe. This problem applies to both gel coating and shellac. It turns out that the procedure is not entirely safe; you need to be very responsible when choosing a specialist. It is not recommended to use the services of cheap or little-known salons, or to lose vigilance if the master has known the client for a long time. Everyone makes mistakes, but it is important that they do not harm your health.
Diagnostics
If you notice changes in your nails, you should visit a doctor. The specialist will conduct a series of tests and ask questions related to the patient’s lifestyle and general condition. If the diagnosis matches the medical record, he will prescribe treatment. In most cases, the spots are caused by a fungus, which is very common - it is very easy to catch an infection. Therefore, disease prevention is The best way protect yourself from long-term treatment, because the cost of preventive medications is not felt as much as the price of modern medications, which often hit the wallet very hard.
Treatment methods
Depending on the form of the disease, the spots are treated differently. A number of active drugs have been invented against the fungus that will get rid of the problem in as soon as possible. The injury is treated by gradually removing the nail. When there is a bruise under the plate, the compression gradually softens the nail, causing it to begin to divide into layers and break. It is important to take softening baths and trim dead shoots. This kind of problem can be treated on your own, but if the symptoms do not match a fungus or hematoma, consult a doctor immediately: the list of possible diseases is disappointing.
After a course of treatment, you should be more attentive to your body than before. Balanced diet, a complex of vitamins with calcium content and compliance with hygiene rules. Experts believe that an organism once exposed to this disease is much more likely to return to it again than a healthy one. Patients with families should also examine their loved ones, especially if the disease has a fungal basis. Complete a full preventive course and examination by a doctor with the whole team.
