What are the white spots on fingernails caused by?

Question

Sometimes I get white spots on my nails, and I have heard all sorts of myths as to what causes them - lack of calcium, lack of zinc etc, but does anyone know for sure?

Is it something lacking in the diet? If so, what?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

zinc deficiency.

Answer 2

I've often wondered this too, but never was too concerned because it will eventually grow out. Mild trauma (like hitting it against something) will cause it and so will a temporary zinc and calcium deficiencies.

Answer 3

white spots on nails are commonly caused by a trauma to nail bed, i.e a bruise, this usually takes 2/3 months to grow out a complete nail, other causes are deficiencies in diet

Answer 4

I heard about those too. I believe it means something about calcium deficiency; my aunt's a nurse and said something like that.

Answer 5

This is the classical symptom of a zinc deficiency and you can find further information in a web search for "white spots" + fingernails + zinc.