{"id":4324,"date":"2025-09-29T19:29:01","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T19:29:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sawahsolutions.com\/aging\/health\/noticing-white-spots-on-your-nails-these-4-sneaky-culprits-could-be-why\/"},"modified":"2025-09-29T19:29:01","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T19:29:01","slug":"noticing-white-spots-on-your-nails-these-4-sneaky-culprits-could-be-why","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sawahsolutions.com\/aging\/health\/noticing-white-spots-on-your-nails-these-4-sneaky-culprits-could-be-why\/","title":{"rendered":"Noticing White Spots on Your Nails? These 4 Sneaky Culprits Could Be Why"},"content":{"rendered":"
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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.<\/p>\n

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<\/sup> Even the texture and thickness of your nails can shine a light on your overall wellness, too.<\/p>\n

“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\u2019t be rough, pitted, peeling, or brittle.”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

4 causes of white spots on your nails<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

1. You have a vitamin deficiency<\/h3>\n

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<\/sup>,3<\/sup><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

2. You frequent the nail salon<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n