Noticing White Spots on Your Nails? These 4 Sneaky Culprits Could Be Why

Can you remember the last time you looked down at your nails? Maybe you were typing on your computer at work, texting a message to a friend, or grabbing a spoon to eat a bowl of cereal. No matter what drew your attention down to your fingertips, if you noticed white spots on your nails, it might have caused you to take pause.

The American Journal of Clinical Dermatology says that white discoloration on nails, aka leukonychia, can be a sign of an underlying skin issue or even a health condition.¹ Even the texture and thickness of your nails can shine a light on your overall wellness, too.

"You can observe the nail texture by gently running your finger across the surface," says Asmi Berry, DO, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles, California. "A healthy nail should feel smooth, firm, and slightly curved with a consistent pink tone. It shouldn’t be rough, pitted, peeling, or brittle."

So, how do you know if your white-spotted nails are NBD or mean something more? Dermatologists weigh in with potential causes here, along with how to treat and prevent leukonychia, and when to see a healthcare provider, just in case.

4 causes of white spots on your nails

There a quite a few reasons why you might have white spots on your nails. While most of pretty benign, meaning you don't have to worry, others can point to an underlying health condition that may need to be checked out. Here are some of the most common causes, according to the experts.

1. You have a vitamin deficiency

The white speckles on your nails may mean it's time to take a look at what's on your plate. Turns out, vitamin deficiencies can cause your nails to change color or texture. Specifically, "a deficiency in zinc, biotin, or calcium can cause white spots," says Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.²,³

Vitamin deficiencies don't always have super noticeable symptoms, so the best way to find out if you're deficient is by getting bloodwork done at your healthcare provider's office. If you're low in anything, they'll help you incorporate more vitamin-rich foods or supplements into your routine. For example, some foods high in zinc, biotin, and calcium include: shellfish, chicken, beans, eggs, kale, broccoli, and dairy products.

2. You frequent the nail salon

If you're in the habit of getting a bi-weekly manicure, especially with gel polish, you may have found your white spot culprit right here. "Nail polish remover and gel products can dry out the nail and cause surface white marks," Dr. Berry says.

These white marks aren't really a health concern, but more so an aesthetic one, especially if you like to wear clear or neutral-toned nail polish. That said, if you find your nails need a bit of a breather, you can cut back on the number of times you visit the nail salon, or use a less irritating polish and remover when getting manicures.

Pro tip: Next time you're at the nail salon, ask your nail technician for recommendations on nail polish that's less abrasive and better for your nails. Or go all-natural for a few weeks to let them rest.

3. You accidentally injured your nails

Your nailbed is a delicate part of the body, so any blunt trauma to the area, like banging your nail against a hard surface, can leave you with white spots, says Dr. Berry. These types of injuries usually result in white spots rather than longer white bands, bruises, or full nail discoloration.

That said, if your entire nail is white, this could be a sign of an underlying health condition like liver cirrhosis (i.e., chronic scarring and damage to the liver) or kidney failure (i.e., the kidneys stop working properly), which are more serious and require medical treatment. With both, you'll also have other symptoms like fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, or nausea.⁴,⁵

With nail injuries, it really just comes down to being mindful of your hands. Even nail biting can cause white spots, says Dr. Jaliman, so if you have a nail-biting habit, working on refraining can help.

4. It could be a fungal infection

If you've ruled out all of the above, mild fungal infections (aka onychomycosis) are also common causes of white spots on nails, Dr. Berry says. You might also experience swelling and redness around your nail bed, itching, or a thickening of nail texture. In this case, you'll need an antifungal cream or oral medication to treat the infection.

You can't necessarily prevent a fungal infection from happening, but maintaining proper hygiene—including trimming nails and keeping your hands dry and clean—can help.

How to treat and prevent white spots on nails

Preventing or getting rid of white spots on your nails will depend on the underlying cause. If frequent manicures or harsh chemicals are the suspected reason, avoiding the nail salon for a little while could be the solution. Or if it's from things like household cleaners, wearing gloves while scrubbing can help.

"Limit exposure to harsh chemicals," says Dr. Jaliman. "Nail polish remover with acetone or frequent use of detergents can cause spots, so you can use gloves during cleaning and choose acetone-free remover when doing your nails." Also, if fungal infections are the issue, you'll want to make sure the nail salon you go to uses clean and sterile tools. "If you're unsure, bring your own," Dr. Jaliman advises.

And lastly, if you suspect a vitamin deficiency is causing nail changes, Dr. Jaliman recommends eating a balanced diet with plenty of leafy greens, lean protein, and whole grains, and asking your provider about whether vitamin supplements are a good option for you.

When to see a healthcare provider

Even if you don't inspect your nails that often, you'll likely be the first person to notice when something looks or feels off on your fingertips. In most cases, white specks from manicures or other minor injuries are harmless, but "nails are [also] often an early warning system for what's happening inside the body," says Dr. Berry.

In this case, "you should see a dermatologist if white spots are spreading, thickening, painful, or appear on multiple nails without a clear cause," says Dr. Berry. "That could be a sign of an infection or another underlying issue." Any other sudden changes in color, texture, or strength are also worth getting checked out by a healthcare provider.

Ultimately, white spots will tend to go away on their own, or with the help of a manicure hiatus or some vitamins. But if you're ever concerned, visiting a healthcare provider is your best bet.