If you didn’t paint them on yourself, white spots on toenails can certainly be mysterious! These unexpected spots may turn up seemingly out of the blue, causing you to wonder why they’re there and what they mean. If you’re sporting a sudden pedicure that you don’t necessarily want, you’re bound to have some questions. Let’s get to the bottom of it!
This article explores what white spots on toenails may mean and the potential options to address them. For personalised advice, contact our team at Foot and Leg Pain Centre today.
Unveiling the Mystery of White Spots on Toenails
Have you noticed white spots on your toenails that weren’t there before? This isn’t as uncommon as you may think! In many cases, the white spots on nails are known as leukonychia, and it may look like one spot on one nail or many spots on several nails. It may also appear as white horizontal lines instead of spots. You may have leukonychia on your fingernails, toenails, or both.
Leukonychia has three forms:
- True leukonychia— Where the white spots form from the nail matrix (where the nail grows from)
- Apparent leukonychia— Where the white spots appear on the nail bed (the skin where your nails rest)
- Pseudoleukonychia— Where the white spots form on the surface of the nail
What Causes White Spots on Toenails?
Sometimes, white spots on toenails or fingernails may be due to nail polish habits, such as:
- Leaving nail polish on for too long— Generally, this means for longer than three weeks
- Using nail polish remover frequently— This may dehydrate the nails and lead to white spots on the surface of the nail
When it comes to leukonychia, this has several potential causes, including:
- Allergies— In many cases, this is an allergy to an ingredient in nail polish, nail hardener, nail polish remover, or fake nails
- Trauma to the nail— This may be something as simple as bumping your nails against a wall or door frame or a result of wearing too-small shoes or biting your nails
- Fungal infections— Fungal infections may discolour the nails, and in some cases, look like white spots or lines
- Medications— Such as chemotherapy and medications for bacterial infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Poisoning— Such as exposure to heavy metals, including arsenic and lead
- Systemic diseases— Though a rare symptom, white spots on nails may be a sign of systemic diseases like diabetes, heart failure, and HIV
- Hereditary conditions— Conditions passed from parent to child, such as Bart-Pumphrey syndrome and Darier disease
In many cases, white spots on toenails do not indicate underlying health conditions. However, ensure you contact your doctor if you develop any additional symptoms such as brittle nails, changes in nail colour, dents and ridges in the nail, weakness, lethargy, blurred vision, confusion, or shortness of breath.
Can White Spots on Toenails Be Treated?
If the white spots on your nails are due to nail polish use or an injury or trauma to the nails, time may be the only treatment necessary, as the white spots will grow out with the nails. This may take six to nine months for fingernails, while toenails may take 12 to 18 months.
Meanwhile, leukonychia may be addressed in several ways, depending on the underlying cause of the condition. If you’re unsure of why white spots have developed on your nails, a healthcare professional such as a podiatrist may take a biopsy to obtain a small sample of the cells from the nails. They may also order blood tests to check for systemic diseases and fungal culture tests to check for the presence of fungi. These samples will then be tested at a laboratory, and your treatment will depend on the results.
If the white spots on your nails are due to a fungus, treatment options may include oral or topical medications such as creams, ointments, or gels. A podiatrist may recommend moisturising creams and other topical treatments to rehydrate the nails in nail polish or nail polish remover overuse cases. And if the cause is an underlying systemic condition, your podiatrist should refer you to the appropriate healthcare provider.
Generally, the treatment for white spots on toenails is focused on preventing the issue from returning. Podiatrists aim to give personalised advice to minimise the risk of recurrence, from advice on footwear to tips on maintaining good foot hygiene.
Say Goodbye to White Spots on Toenails
Concerned about white spots on your toenails? This is where our team at Foot and Leg Pain Centre steps in! Consulting with one of our podiatrists is the first step in determining the cause of your white spots so you can receive personalised care and recommendations. Book your appointment today!
