White spots on nails, also known as leukonychia, can be caused by various factors, including injury, exposure to toxins, and underlying health conditions such as liver disease or anemia. Leukonychia can be classified into different types depending on the cause and how it affects the nail. True leukonychia is caused by damage to the nail and appears as white spots or lines that remain unaffected when pressure is put on them. These areas will grow out as the nail does. Apparent leukonychia occurs when the bed underneath the nail is affected, and the nail bed affects the color of the nail plate. It will lessen or disappear under pressure and will not grow out with the nail.
The condition involves the matrix cells, and the white spots, lines, or total whitening show that the process of keratin synthesis is not complete in the matrix, and the isles of the defective cells are growing out with the entire nail plate. Leukonychia can be placed in all three layers of the nail plate, which is why the condition may take place in any part of the matrix. Trauma, injury to the nail plate or the area where the nail grows from, known as the matrix, can cause damage to the nail, and this type of injury is common in children and is usually the cause of white spots on the nail.
Chemicals used in the application and removal of acrylic or gel nails can also damage nails and cause white spots. Artificial nail products contain acrylates, which are potent sensitizers that can cause occupational allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in dental personnel. Therefore, it is essential to work safely with artificial nail products and find out what chemicals are in the products used.
In conclusion, white spots on nails can be caused by various factors, including injury, exposure to toxins, and underlying health conditions. True leukonychia is caused by damage to the nail and appears as white spots or lines that remain unaffected when pressure is put on them. Trauma, injury to the nail plate or the area where the nail grows from, known as the matrix, can cause damage to the nail, and chemicals used in the application and removal of acrylic or gel nails can also damage nails and cause white spots.
