Medically speaking, those little white marks that sometimes appear on the fingernails or toenails are called leukonychia. Generally, this is a harmless discoloration that can be caused by an injury, allergy or vitamin deficiency. In most cases, it is a problem that can be solved on its own with natural remedies; However, if the white spots on the nails do not disappear, you will need to consult a doctor, as in some rare cases they can be a symptom of a more serious pathology.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. Moisturize your nails every day
When using hand cream, don't forget to apply it to your nails as well. Also, every night before going to bed, massage them with a natural skin-nourishing oil or rich in vitamin E. This way, they will become stronger and healthier, so the problem of white spots should subside.
Step 2. Try using essential oils
They are known to be able to cure white spots on nails if the cause is a fungus or an injury. Tea tree oil and orange tea tree oil are among the most effective. Mix a few drops of the selected essential oil with a carrier oil, such as extra virgin olive oil, then massage it into your nails and let it act as a compress. The essential oil of orange should be left on for 45 minutes, while for that of tea tree 15-20 minutes may be enough.
When finished, rinse and wash your nails thoroughly
Step 3. Keep your nails immersed in a mixture of water and white vinegar
Mix the two ingredients in equal parts in a bowl. Soak your nails in the liquid and soak them for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry them carefully. Repeat the treatment about 4 times a week to make the white spots disappear.
If you have sensitive skin, increase the percentage of water in proportion to the vinegar
Step 4. Rub your nails with lemon
Lemon is a fruit that contains a lot of vitamin C and, in some cases, it is the deficiency of this vitamin that causes the appearance of white spots on the nails. Simply cut a lemon in half, then rub it into your nails. Let the juice sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing and drying your fingers.
Step 5. Dip your nails in plain yogurt
Sugar-free white, free of other added substances, can promote nail health and potentially reduce the incidence of white spots. Pour about three tablespoons into a bowl, then dip your nails into it and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. When finished, rinse them with warm water.
You can add a few drops of lemon juice or vitamin E oil to yogurt to make the treatment even more effective
Step 6. Use Alka Seltzer tablets, the antacid medication
It is proven that in some cases it is an excellent solution against white spots. Dissolve a couple of tablets in hot water and dip your fingertips into the solution for 5 minutes.
Step 7. Let your nails grow
For many, patience is the best weapon to combat white spots. In most cases, the stains will become milder over time and, in any case, will disappear when you cut your nails. While there are ways to speed up the process, sometimes the only thing you really need to do is wait.
Method 2 of 3: Improve Lifestyle to Improve Nail Health
Step 1. Modify your diet
White spots on your nails could be caused by a lack of zinc, calcium, protein, or vitamin C. By increasing your daily intake of these substances, you may be able to eliminate them.
- Eat more vitamin C-rich fruits, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and apples.
- Broccoli, kale, parsnips, tree nuts, fish and poultry meat contain the nutrients needed to keep nails healthy.
- You can also use a multivitamin supplement. Ask your pharmacist for advice. It can be a particularly useful solution if you have food allergies that prevent you from getting nutrients directly from the foods that contain them.
Step 2. Don't bite your nails
If you have a nasty habit of biting and tearing them, it is inevitable that they will end up ruining, so stop doing it. It is very likely that in a short time you will notice a reduction in white spots.
If you have a hard time letting go of this harmful habit, try wrapping a band-aid around it. If you are a woman, you can also try to put on your nail polish so you may not want to eat them so as not to ruin your beautiful manicure
Step 3. Find out if shoes are the problem
If your toenails have white spots, wear a different pair of shoes. If the ones you usually use are tight or uncomfortable, they may have damaged your nails, thus giving rise to the problem. Switch to a pair of looser, more comfortable shoes and notice if the white spots are reduced.
This is an important step to take, especially if you use the shoes in question for intense physical exercise, such as running. It is essential that the shoes you use for sports are comfortable if you want your nails to stay healthy
Step 4. Use gloves when cleaning the house
Never do household chores, such as washing dishes, dusting or mopping floors, with your bare hands. While this may not seem like strenuous activity to you, it can actually damage and dehydrate your nails. Buy a pair of quality rubber gloves and always wear them when cleaning the house to safeguard the health of your nails.
Step 5. Don't use nail polish too thick
If you have a habit of coloring them regularly, try to let them breathe for at least two days in a row. Enamel can dehydrate and damage them, resulting in problems such as white spots. You should pay attention to how your nails react to different polishes. If the spots tend to appear after using a particular product, it could be an allergy that triggers this reaction. If so, stop using that polish right away.
Cut down on manicures too. Limit them to special occasions and rely on expert care from a professional if the problem of white spots persists
Method 3 of 3: Ask the Doctor for Help
Step 1. Get help from your doctor if the white spots don't go away
If you can't solve the problem with regular home remedies, make an appointment with your doctor. This is usually harmless, but in some cases it could be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as anemia or a liver problem. Even in the event that nail fungus is the cause, you may need a prescription.
Step 2. Take oral antifungal medication
If you suspect white spots are caused by nail fungus, see your doctor for a prescription for oral antifungal medication. Generally, treatment should last 6 to 12 weeks and should be able to eliminate the symptoms caused by mycosis, including white patches in some cases.
It is important that you report any health complaints you may have to your doctor before considering taking this type of medication. Antifungal drugs can cause skin rashes or liver damage
Step 3. Try using an external medication, such as nail polish or cream
Your doctor may prescribe a fungal remedy to apply directly to your nails. You will likely need to use it regularly for a set period of time which could range from a few weeks up to a year.
