White spots on nails? Dermatologist secretes

A healthy nail is usually smooth, slightly shiny, and slightly pink. But as we get older and expose our nails to external factors, the appearance changes. Even different types of skin diseases and in rare cases nutritional deficiencies and cancer can affect the nails.

The two most common problems are fungal infections and psoriasis, says Margarita Fromm Nelson, MD, a dermatologist with the Dermatology Group and chief physician at the Dermatology Clinic at Karolinska University Hospital.

Below, she highlights some common nail problems.

Yellow, brittle, or thickened nails

Nail fungus most often attacks the feet and is associated with athlete’s foot, but it can also affect the toenails.

It’s almost a general disease, says Fromm Nelson.

The nails often change color and become slightly yellow. Sometimes soft and crunchy, sometimes thick. The affected nail can break off completely and come out completely.

At an early stage, a special anti-fungal nail polish can be used in combination with a cream that treats toenail fungus. However, if the infection has spread, treatment with tablets is the most successful.

Thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism, can in some cases lead to brittle nails.

digging in the nails

Psoriasis is a relatively common skin disease. Above all, the skin is under attack, but the nails can also be affected.

Psoriasis is often found in other places such as the skin and scalp. But you can also put a few marks on the nails. Nail psoriasis is very common and many people think that it is another problem.

A classic symptom is the so-called thimble nails, which are small, round pits on the upper sides of the nails. Sometimes the outer parts of the nails can shed from the skin.

Psoriasis is a chronic disease that cannot be cured, however skin problems can be alleviated through treatment. Overcoming nail symptoms can be more difficult even if there are treatments.

White spots on the nails

If white spots appear on the nails, then there is no reason to worry. This phenomenon is sometimes associated with calcium deficiency, but according to Frohm-Nelson, this is a myth.

– It concerns growth disorders, temporary damage to the nails. She says it is something that goes away.

The damage will go away as the nail grows, but it may take some time as the nails grow slowly.

– If you damage the matrix of your nails, the growth area itself, in a suitable crush injury, you can, on the other hand, get a permanent ingrown nail.

Brown streaks, streaks, or spots

The thing to be more vigilant about is brown streaks or spots under, around or inside the nail.

It could be a spot in the liver, but it could also be a malignant cancer.

According to Frohm Nilsson, bunions can also grow under the nails.

This type of melanoma, called adhesive melanoma, is uncommon but also easy to miss. according to Cancer boxes Melanoma in the toes and nails can be confused with both nail fungus and nail stenosis. It is also important to track areas of brown, black or blue-gray.

Pale, green, or striped nails

Many older people can suffer from splitting striped nails, which is perfectly normal, and it can be due to poor circulation.

Even skin diseases, such as lichen planus, can in some cases lead to the appearance of longitudinal lines on the nails. After that, you will usually have other symptoms, such as various types of skin changes and severe itching.

You may also have bacterial infections under the nails. If you move a lot in the water, there are bacteria called pseudomonas and this infection gives a slightly greenish color. But it is not very common.

If you have pale nails, it may be anemia, such as anemia.

– You can usually also see it on the mucous membrane under the eyelids, which can turn pale.

Malnutrition is rarely a problem

Deficiency diseases, such as iron deficiency and vitamin D deficiency, can affect both hair and nails, but according to Frohm, they are rarely a problem.

There is a lot of deception with vitamins and supplements. If you eat normal and healthy food, then there is rarely a lack of vitamins. Healthy young adults put in a lot of extra vitamins that they don’t need.

What is the most important thing to do to take care of your nails?

Don’t go under the nails too much or tear them off, says Frohm Nelson and continues:

Sometimes you see pockets under the nails, especially in women. Then you may have sat yourself at the tip of the nail file and tried to get the dirt out, and then the pocket got deeper and deeper over time without you noticing it. Use a soft brush and lukewarm water to clean.

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