Why do I have white spots on my nails?

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Why do I have white spots on my nails?
Thanks for asking.
If you've ever had white spots on your nails before, you may have been dismissively told that it's down to a lack of calcium or zinc. Basically some mineral deficiency. But this popular belief doesn't really have any basis in fact. According to Healthline, nails grow an average of 3mm per month. Their composition is made up of keratin, a protein and just 0.03% calcium. So white spots are certainly not just a calcium problem. What is the colour of a healthy nail?
It's the same as the skin underneath the nail actually. But to understand where white spots come from, we must first explain how nail growth works. It begins at the nail root which lies below the skin and extends several millimetres into the finger. The cells produced there are pushed forward and die as new cells appear behind them. During this process, the cells lose their nucleus, which makes the nail semi-transparent. If it then appears pink, it's because it's revealing the blood vessels of this part of the finger, which is called the nail bed. White spots on nails are actually due to a small impact on the flat of the nail, i.e. the hard part, or on the matrix, which is located under the cuticle, and which produces the layers of carotene. These are perfectly harmless marks that will go away in a few days or weeks, and the scientific term for them is punctate luce on Ikea. They might appear if the tip of your finger gets caught in a door, for example. They're also more common in people who bite their nails, or who have regular manicures involving heavy polishing, filing, or gluing force nails. These are all mini-aggressions which can lead to stains.
What other colours can my nails turn? Well, if you see brown, blue, or red spots, you should go to see a doctor, because they could potentially be signs of a disease. As for black spots, they're usually a sign of a subcutaneous hematoma, and are often caused by repeated rubbing, or a fairly strong impact. If the spot doesn't move over time as the nail grows, it's probably just a mole. If the spots take on a yellow colour and the nail thickens, this may be a sign of a mycosis caused by a fungus. The nails of the big toes are more prone to it. In this case, you'll need to consult a dermatologist who will provide an appropriate antifungal treatment. Skin diseases such as psoriasis or axema can also be reflected on the nails. You can then feel itching, observe redness or streaks, and the nails are sometimes covered with small dots. There you have it.
Now you know why you have white spots on your nails. In under three minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts, and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along and you will really know for sure.