How to Get Rid of White Spots on Nails: Causes, Remedies, and Prevention
Have you ever looked down at your nails and wondered, “Where did these white spots come from?” One day, your nails are looking fine, and the next, those little white marks are staring back at you, making you question what’s going on beneath the surface.
White spots on nails are surprisingly common, but what do they mean? Are they a sign of nail damage, a lack of nutrients, or something else? The good news is, in most cases, these spots aren’t harmful and can be easily dealt with. But understanding the causes and knowing the right steps to take can save you a lot of frustration. Let’s dive into how to get rid of white spots on nails and what you need to do to prevent them in the future.
What Causes White Spots on Nails?
So, what exactly causes white spots on nails? The technical term is leukonychia, and it usually comes from one of three main issues: nail trauma, nutritional deficiencies, or allergic reactions.
1. Nail Trauma
Let’s start with the most common culprit: nail trauma.
Sometimes you don’t even realise it, but everyday activities can cause tiny injuries to your nails. Whether you’ve accidentally banged your fingers on something, or been a bit too rough while filing your nails, these minor injuries can cause white spots to appear as the nail grows.
It doesn’t take much. Even overzealous manicures or pushing back your cuticles too hard can leave behind those small marks. The good news? These spots usually grow out over time as your nail continues to grow.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
Another reason for white spots could be nutritional deficiencies. Your nails are made of keratin, a protein that relies on a healthy supply of nutrients like zinc, calcium, and biotin. When you’re not getting enough of these key vitamins and minerals, your nails may become weak and develop white spots.
Zinc deficiency is one of the most common causes of white spots. This mineral is essential for cell growth and repair, which directly impacts your nails. Without enough zinc, your nails may show signs of stress, like white spots.
3. Allergic Reactions
Did you know that nail polish or acetone could be causing those white spots? Some people have mild allergic reactions to certain nail products, especially if they contain harsh chemicals. These reactions may leave behind small white marks on your nails as a side effect.
If you’ve noticed white spots after trying a new nail polish or using acetone frequently, your nails might be reacting negatively to the product. Consider switching to a nail polish remover without acetone or choosing more natural nail products to see if the white spots disappear.
How to Treat White Spots on Nails Naturally
Now that we know what causes white spots on nails, let’s talk about how to get rid of them naturally. The good news is, most of these remedies are simple and can be done at home using ingredients you probably already have.
1. Lemon Juice Soak
Lemon juice is known for its natural bleaching properties, and it’s a great way to lighten any discolouration on your nails. If you want to get rid of white spots naturally, this remedy is an easy start.
Here’s how to use it:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl of warm water.
- Soak your nails in the mixture for about 10-15 minutes.
- After soaking, gently scrub your nails with a soft toothbrush.
The citric acid in the lemon juice will help lighten the spots while also strengthening your nails. Just don’t forget to moisturise afterward—lemon juice can be drying!
2. Tea Tree Oil for Fungal Infections
If your white spots are caused by a fungal infection, tea tree oil is your best friend. It has antifungal properties that help fight off infections naturally and is gentle enough to use regularly.
How to use tea tree oil:
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil (like coconut oil).
- Apply the mixture to your nails with a cotton ball.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
Do this daily, and you’ll not only help get rid of the white spots, but you’ll also strengthen your nails and prevent future infections.
3. Zinc, Calcium, and Biotin Supplements
As we mentioned earlier, nutritional deficiencies can cause white spots on your nails. The solution? Make sure your body is getting enough of the essential nutrients it needs for strong, healthy nails.
- Zinc: You can take a zinc supplement or increase your intake of zinc-rich foods like spinach, seeds, and beans.
- Calcium: Make sure you’re getting enough calcium, either from dairy products or supplements.
- Biotin: This B-vitamin is known for promoting strong nails and hair. Adding a biotin supplement to your diet can improve the strength of your nails and help them grow out the white spots.
Nail Care Routine to Prevent White Spots
Prevention is always better than cure. Once you’ve gotten rid of the white spots, here’s how to keep them from coming back by building a solid nail care routine.
1. Trim and File Your Nails Regularly
Keeping your nails trimmed and filed is essential for preventing future white spots caused by trauma. When your nails are too long, they’re more likely to break or get damaged, leading to those unwanted marks.
Use a nail file to shape your nails and prevent splits. File in one direction to avoid weakening the nail, and make sure you trim them regularly to keep them at a healthy length.
2. Moisturise Your Nails and Cuticles
Dry nails are more prone to breaking, cracking, and developing white spots. That’s why moisturising is key.
After washing your hands, apply a nail oil or hand cream, focusing on your cuticles and the skin around your nails. Coconut oil or olive oil can also work wonders for keeping your nails hydrated and strong.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals in nail polish, removers, and cleaning products can weaken your nails and lead to white spots. If you regularly use nail polish, make sure to give your nails a break now and then to breathe. And when you do need to remove polish, opt for an acetone-free remover to prevent further damage.
4. Wear Gloves for Protection
Whenever you’re cleaning, gardening, or doing anything that might damage your nails, wear protective gloves. This simple step can go a long way in protecting your nails from trauma, harsh chemicals, and even water damage.
When to See a Doctor
While most white spots on nails are harmless and can be treated with proper nail care, there are times when you should consult a doctor. If your white spots persist despite your best efforts, or if you notice other symptoms like nail thickening, discolouration, or pain, it might be time to see a professional.
Some white spots can be a sign of underlying health issues like psoriasis, eczema, or a fungal infection that needs medical treatment. Your doctor can help determine the root cause and recommend a treatment plan.
How to Get Rid of White Spots on Nails: More Tips and Remedies for Healthy Nails
By now, you’ve got the basics on how to get rid of white spots on nails, but let’s go deeper. White spots don’t just disappear overnight, and keeping your nails in tip-top shape requires ongoing care. So, let’s talk about more advanced tips and remedies to ensure those spots stay gone and your nails stay healthy.
Strengthening Your Nails to Prevent White Spots
So, you’ve dealt with the white spots, but how do you make sure they don’t come back? One key strategy is strengthening your nails from the inside out. Healthy, strong nails are far less likely to develop white spots due to trauma or nutritional deficiencies.
1. Up Your Protein Intake
Your nails are made of keratin, a type of protein. If your diet lacks enough protein, your nails will show it. You might notice white spots, brittleness, or slow growth.
Here’s how you can boost your protein:
- Include lean meats, eggs, and nuts in your daily diet.
- If you’re vegetarian or vegan, add more beans, tofu, and lentils to ensure you’re getting enough protein for your nail health.
Not only will you see fewer white spots, but your nails will grow stronger and more resilient.
2. Hydration Is Key
We often forget how important hydration is for nail health. When your nails are dry and dehydrated, they’re more likely to develop white spots, cracks, and other damage.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your nails hydrated from the inside.
- For extra hydration, apply coconut oil or argan oil directly to your nails. This helps seal in moisture and prevent dryness and splitting.
3. Massage Your Cuticles
Healthy cuticles lead to healthy nails. If your cuticles are dry, damaged, or neglected, your nails won’t grow properly. Massaging your cuticles with oil helps improve blood flow and encourages healthy nail growth, reducing the likelihood of white spots.
Try using a few drops of jojoba oil or vitamin E oil and gently massage it into your cuticles every night.
Repairing White Spots Caused by Nail Trauma
Even with the best care, accidents happen. Whether it’s slamming your hand in a door or simply banging your fingers on something, nail trauma is one of the most common causes of white spots.
1. Use a Strengthening Base Coat
If your white spots are caused by nail trauma, using a strengthening base coat can help protect your nails while they recover. A base coat creates a barrier between your nails and the environment, reducing the chance of further damage.
Look for base coats that contain keratin or calcium to help your nails rebuild their strength. Apply it regularly, even when you’re not wearing coloured nail polish.
2. Keep Nails at a Manageable Length
When your nails are too long, they’re more likely to experience trauma. This increases the risk of white spots developing. Keep your nails at a manageable length to prevent accidental damage.
- Trim your nails every couple of weeks using nail clippers.
- Shape them with a nail file to avoid rough edges that could catch and break.
3. Be Gentle with Your Nails
Whether you’re removing nail polish or doing everyday tasks, being too rough on your nails can cause damage. Avoid aggressive filing or scraping, and use acetone-free nail polish removers to protect your nails from harsh chemicals.
Nutritional Supplements to Support Nail Health
We’ve already touched on how nutritional deficiencies can lead to white spots on nails, but let’s take a closer look at some of the most important nutrients you should be getting to support healthy nails.
1. Zinc for Healthy Nails
Zinc is a crucial mineral for overall nail health. If you’re noticing white spots, a lack of zinc might be the cause. Without enough zinc, your nails can become brittle and prone to developing white spots.
Add these zinc-rich foods to your diet:
- Oysters (one of the richest sources of zinc)
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chickpeas
- Almonds
You can also consider taking a zinc supplement if you find it difficult to get enough through your diet.
2. Calcium for Strong Nails
A calcium deficiency doesn’t just affect your bones—it can also weaken your nails. Make sure you’re getting enough calcium to maintain strong, healthy nails that are resistant to white spots and other issues.
- Incorporate more dairy products, leafy greens, or fortified plant-based milks into your diet.
- If needed, take a daily calcium supplement to support nail strength.
3. Biotin for Nail Growth
If your nails are growing slowly or are prone to breaking, biotin is your go-to solution. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, promotes nail growth and strengthens the nail structure, helping to prevent white spots and other damage.
You can get biotin from foods like eggs, nuts, and whole grains, or opt for a biotin supplement if you need an extra boost.
Nail Care Tips for Preventing White Spots Long-Term
Now that you know how to get rid of white spots on nails, let’s focus on how to keep them from coming back. Prevention is key to maintaining healthy, spotless nails.
1. Moisturise Daily
Dry nails are more likely to develop white spots, cracks, and other damage. Make it a habit to moisturise your nails and cuticles daily, especially after washing your hands.
Use a rich hand cream or a nourishing nail oil like argan oil or coconut oil to keep your nails hydrated and strong.
2. Give Your Nails a Break
As tempting as it is to always have a fresh manicure, your nails need time to breathe. Constantly wearing nail polish or acrylics can weaken your nails and increase the risk of white spots.
- Give your nails at least a week or two of bare time every month.
- When you do wear polish, use a breathable nail polish formula to keep your nails healthy.
3. Wear Gloves When Needed
Whether you’re doing household chores or working with harsh chemicals, wearing gloves is one of the easiest ways to protect your nails. Prolonged exposure to water or chemicals can weaken your nails and make them more susceptible to trauma.
When to See a Professional for White Spots
While most white spots on nails are harmless and can be treated with home remedies and proper nail care, sometimes they can be a sign of a more serious issue.
If your white spots persist, spread, or are accompanied by other symptoms like nail thickening or discolouration, it may be time to consult a doctor or dermatologist. They can help diagnose the root cause and recommend specific treatments for conditions like psoriasis, fungal infections, or eczema.
Remember, taking care of your nails is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about maintaining your overall health. By following these tips and keeping a consistent nail care routine, you’ll not only get rid of white spots on nails, but also keep them strong, healthy, and looking their best!