In most cases, the appearance of small white spots on fingernails and toenails is a condition called leukonychia. It is not as serious as it seems and cannot be caused by zinc or calcium deficiency.
In fact, the most common cause of the spots is mild or moderate trauma to the nail. On the other hand, nails grow very slowly, so it is possible that the injury occurred weeks before the white spots appeared. Another possible reason for their appearance is an infection or allergy. It is not excluded that they are side effects caused by certain medications.
When the cause is trauma, regardless of its source, whiteheads do not require treatment. They disappear with the growth of the nail and do not reappear.
However, when all the nails are “painted” with spots and lines, leukonychia can be associated with more serious conditions such as anemia, heart disease, cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, or kidney disease.
Doctors recommend that if we notice similar changes in our nails, we consult a specialist.