Wikipedia
Leukonychia
Leukonychia (or leuconychia), also known as white nails or milk spots, is a medical term for white discoloration appearing on nails. It is derived from the Greek words leuko ("white") and onux ("nail"). The most common cause is injury to the base of the nail (the matrix) where the nail is formed.
It is harmless and most commonly caused by minor injuries, such as nail biting, that occur while the nail is growing. leukonychia occurs most commonly in healthy individuals, unrelated to any known nutritional or physiological deficiency. When caused by injury the marks will disappear as the nail grows outwards, however a dietary deficiency will cause recurrent leukonychia.
Other possible reasons for this problem with nail color can be linked to:
- Arsenic poisoning
- Pneumonia
- Heart disease
- Renal failure
- Ill health
- Hypoalbuminemia
- Vitamin deficiency
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Hypoproteinemia
- Hepatic cirrhosis
- Psychogenic stresses
- Onychophagia
- Occupational trauma
- Lack of zinc
- Lack of protein
- Psoriasis as well as eczema 1