Leukonychia is a condition that entails the appearance of white spots on the fingernails. In total leukonychia, the entire nail plate turns white, whereas, in partial leukonychia, some white dots or white lines appear here and there on the nail. Studies report that anybody can have this condition irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, etc. Some of the causes of leukonychia are constant nail-biting, iron or zinc deficiency, eczema, etc.
Did You Know!
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The fingernails on your dominant hand tend to grow faster. |
Natural and Alternative Treatment for White Patches on Nails
Home Remedies
1. Vinegar
Vinegar has rich anti-fungal properties that help treat white spots on nails(1). Studies reveal that vinegar also has destaining properties that keeps the nails healthy and shiny.
How to use?
Put half a liter of vinegar in a liter of lukewarm water. Soak your fingernails in the solution for 20 minutes. Wipe with a warm towel after and moisturize.
How much to use?
Do this twice a week to get rid of white patches on the fingernails.
[Read: Make Your Nails Grow Stronger and Faster]
2. Moisturize Daily
Rubbing moisturizer on the fingernails helps them stay stronger and healthier. It also helps in reducing the white spots
How to use and how much?
Do this every night before going to bed for a month to see desirable results.
3. Lemon
Many times, deficiencies of Vitamin C causes white spots on fingernails. Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which then helps to combat white patches. According to many studies, lemon promotes healthy nails and removes spots and discoloration.
How to use?
Cut a lemon into slices and then rub the slices onto your fingernails. Leave on the juice for 15-20 minutes. Wash the fingernails with warm water after and apply moisturizer.
How much to use?
Do this once daily for a month to get rid of white patches and brittle fingernails. This will also smoothen out bumpy nails.
| Your thumbnail grows the slowest. |
1. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is rich in antiseptic properties and anti-fungal properties which helps in reducing white spots and promote healthy nail growth. Studies have confirmed that tea tree oil has significantly reduced nail fungus and discoloration.
How to use?
You can use tea tree oil either directly or after mixing in olive oil. Add a few drops of the oil in a cotton ball and rub it on the fingernails. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before washing with warm water.
How much to use?
Do this twice a week to brighten and smoothen the fingernails along with removing white patches.
[Read: Cure Toenail Fungus with Epsom Salt]
2. Lavender oil
Lavender oil is rich in anti-fungal properties, which helps in treating white spots. Its analgesic properties also keep the nails healthy and, according to studies, speed up the treatment of nail injuries.
How to use?
Add a few drops of lavender oil on a cotton ball and then massage it on the fingernails. Leave the oil on for 20 minutes before washing with water. You can also use it in aromatherapy(2) or add some drops of it in the bathwater to relax the body and the mind.
How much to use?
Do this twice daily until you achieve desirable results.
[Read: Vital Vitamins for Nails Health]
3. Vitamin E oil
Vitamin E oil works effectively for treating white spots on fingernails as it is very rich in nutrients. Research has shown that Vitamin E oil prevents the formation of ridges and discoloration in nails.
How to use?
Add some drops of Vitamin E oil on a cotton ball and then massage it on the fingernails. Leave the oil on for 20 minutes before washing. Moisturize after to keep the nails hydrated.
How much to use?
Do this twice daily to remove the white marks on fingernails and smoothen them.
[Read: Natural Treatments to Stop Toenail Fungus]
Foods
1. Leafy vegetables
Leafy greens provide the suitable vitamins and minerals required to maintain healthy nails(3). Studies have confirmed that both micro and macro-nutrients are important to maintain healthy nails.
How to eat?
You can eat many leafy vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, kale, lettuce, broccoli, etc. All of these are rich in iron and vitamin C, which can speed up the nail whitening process.
How much to eat?
Try to eat one leafy vegetable per day. You can also add them in a salad or make juices out of them.
[ Read: Get Rid of White Spots on Skin ]
2. Yogurt
The naturally present microbes in yogurt allow it to act as a rich antifungal agent. It is an easy natural treatment to cure white patches on fingernails. Studies confirm that yogurt is one of the easiest natural treatments to cure white patches on fingernails.
How to use?
Soak the affected fingernails in a bowl of plain yogurt for 20-25 minutes. Then rinse after with lukewarm water and moisturize to keep the nails hydrated.
How much to use?
Do this twice every day to see effective results.
[Read: Coconut Oil to Get Rid of Ugly Toenails]
3. Nuts
Nuts and seeds are rich in proteins and zinc, which are very important for maintaining healthy nails. Studies confirm that nuts and seeds act as the perfect antidote for white spots on nails.
How to eat?
You can eat nuts and seeds in various forms like almonds, cashews, peanuts, lotus stem seeds, etc.
How much to eat?
Try to eat 10-12 pieces of any nut in an entire day. Nuts can be eaten directly or added to a salad.
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Fingernails grow faster in the summer than in the winter. |
Mentioned below are some tips to prevent the formation of white spots on your fingernails:
- Avoid excessive usage of nail paint and nail remover
- Don’t let your nails get dry very often, keep moisturizing them
- Do not bite your nails or cut them very short
- Wear gloves while cleaning with your hands
- Do not wear tight shoes
- File the rough edges after cutting your nails
FAQs
1. Are White Spots on Fingernails a Sign of Calcium Deficiency?
Yes, sometimes white patches deposit on the fingernails due to calcium deficiency.
2. Can Fingernails Show Signs of Illness?
Extreme whiteness or bumps in the nails can be signs of liver, lung or heart diseases.
3. What Do Healthy Nails Look Like?
Healthy nails are smooth, without bumps, and of consistent color.
