This article explains about White Spots on Toenails, its causes, symptoms, risk factors, management & best homeopathic medicines to cure it well.
Usually, people notice white spots on their nails at some point in their life. The appearance of white spots on nails is not a serious medical condition.
The white spots on the nails are also known as leukonychia. It develops due to an injury to the nail matrix.
These injuries can be a result of pinching or striking the nails or fingers.
There may be several other causes of white spots on the nails.
Leukonychia is the appearance of white lines or dots in the fingernails or toenails.
This is a very common and harmless condition. Let’s discuss all the aspects of white spots toenails in detail.
White Spots on Toenails Types
White spots toenails can be of different types.
True leukonychia:
True leukonychia or white spots on toenails occur in the nail matrix. The nail matrix is responsible for nail production.
Apparent leukonychia:
It occurs in the nail bed. The nail bed is the portion which lies under the nail.
True leukonychia is further classified into two categories.
Total leukonychia:
It affects all 20 nails. It is the complete whitening of the nail plate.
Partial leukonychia:
Partial leukonychia occurs if one portion of the nail is affected. Partial leukonychia can affect one, a few or all nails.
White Spots on Toenails Causes
White spots on the toenails are very common and can be caused by a variety of factors.
Let’s take a look at the causes in detail.
Allergic reaction:
Allergy from products such as nail paint, gloss, nail polish removers and other cosmetic products or tools can cause white spots on nails.
Fungal infection:
White superficial onychomycosis, a common nail fungal infection can also cause white spots on toenails.
The infection can spread to the toenails and nails become brittle and flaky.
Injury to the nails:
Injury to the base of the nails or the nail matrix that produces the nail plate can cause white spots or dots in the nails.
These dots appear as the nails grow. The patient may not recall the injury because of the slow-growing of nails.
Some injuries may take up to four weeks to appear.
The injuries can occur due to shutting fingers in a door, striking fingers with a hammer and hitting nails against a hard object.
Hereditary:
True leukonychia can be hereditary but it is very rare.
It occurs due to a gene mutation that can pass from parents to the child.
In these cases, the whitening of nails appears early in life (infancy or childhood).
Medications:
Some medications can cause white spots on toenails such as chemotherapy or sulfonamides to treat bacterial infections.
Poisoning:
Heavy metal poisonings such as arsenic or zinc can lead to the development of white spots on toenails.
It can be detected by blood tests.
Deficiency of minerals:
A deficiency of certain minerals and vitamins can cause white spots on toenails.
Most commonly it is caused by a deficiency of zinc and calcium.
Skin diseases:
Inflammatory skin diseases such as nail psoriasis or eczema can lead to white spots on toenails.
These diseases affect the nail matrix which causes abnormal spots on the nail plate.
Systemic diseases:
The least common causes include certain systemic illnesses such as heart failure, kidney failure, hyperthyroidism and diabetes.
White Spots on Toenails Symptoms
In some patients, there are white tiny dots speckled across the nail.
While in others the white spots can be larger and cover the whole nail plate.
The spots can be present on one nail or in some cases may include several nails.
Punctuate leukonychia:
Most commonly partial leukonychia is present as pin-point-sized dots across the nail plate.
Lonitudnal leukonychia:
In some patients, there are larger white lines on the nails.
Transverse leukonychia:
Sometimes, there are individual large dots or parallel horizontal bands on the nail plate.
It is seen that injuries may cause larger white dots and infections may cause several small dots on the nail plate.
The appearance of white dots can be different in different nails.
Depending upon the cause of the white spots on the toenails, additional symptoms can be present.
Risk Factors for White Spots on Toenails
Certain risk factors make an individual more prone to get white spots on toenails.
Malnutrition:
People who are malnourished and have certain deficiencies in minerals and vitamins are more to get white spots toenails.
Systemic diseases:
People with systemic diseases such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, and heart failure are more prone to get white spots toenails.
Injuries:
Injuries predispose a person to develop white spots on toenails. The patient might not remember the injury because of the slow growth of the nails.
Hereditary:
People with white spots toenails may pass on the disease to their children via genes.
Medications:
Those who are on long-term therapy such as chemotherapy may develop white spots toenails.
Diagnosis of White Spots on Toenails
If the white spots on nails are not caused by injuries and they occur frequently then it needs to be checked properly under medical supervision.
If the spots are persistent then the diagnosis is important to determine the correct treatment option.
Several tests may be advised to make a correct diagnosis.
Nail biopsy:
A sample of nail tissue is taken and studied under the microscope.
Blood test:
It can be done to determine any systemic disease if present or to find out about any heavy metal poisoning.
Mycology:
Fungal or nail clipping is sent to the laboratory for further evaluation under the microscope.
White Spots on Toenails Management
White spots on toenails should be treated properly especially if they are persistent.
Some lifestyle management tips can be followed to aid in recovery.
Avoid harsh chemicals and allergens:
Avoid the use of nail tools and cosmetics such as nail paints, gloss, and nail paint removers that can be a potential cause of white spots on toenails.
Rest:
Most of the white spots on toenails are caused by injuries and it will go with the growth of the nail plate.
It may take time. So, protect it from further damage and it will go with time.
Protect the affected nails:
The affected nails should be protected to prevent any further damage or infection.
Avoid too much exposure to water:
Too much exposure to water can lead to the development of fungal infections.
Avoid excessive working in water and keep the nails dry.
Best Homeopathic Medicines for White Spots on Toenails
Homeopathy offers a very safe, reliable, quick and gentle treatment option for the treatment of white spots on toenails.
Several wonderful remedies in homeopathy are capable of completely curing the case and preventing any further complications.
Let’s take a look at the top indicated remedies in homeopathy for the treatment of white spots on toenails.
1. ANTIM CRUD: For brittle nails with white spots
Symptoms:
Antim crud is the leading medicine for the treatment of white spots on toenails.
It is a very helpful medicine for brittle nails that grow out of shape.
There is pain and tenderness in the affected nails. There are tiny white spots scattered on the nail plate.
An isolated large white spot covering the whole nail plate can also be seen.
The nails become thick and hard with white discolouration.
When these symptoms match, Antim crud can cure the case.
Potency and dosage:
Antim crud 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Antim crud 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Antim crud in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
2. GRAPHITES: For deformed nails with white spots
Symptoms:
“Graphites” is one of the best remedies for the treatment of white spots on toenails.
The nails become brittle and crumbling. The nails are deformed, sore, thick and crippled.
The patient complains of cracks and fissures at the end of the fingers.
The toenails are crippled with stiffness and contraction of the toes.
The symptoms become worse in warmth. When these symptoms are present, Graphites is the best choice of medicine.
Potency and dosage:
Graphites 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Graphites 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Graphites in 30CH can be taken as four pills or dropped twice daily till improvement occurs.
3. SILICEA: For white spots on nails with soreness
Symptoms:
Silicea is indicated when the patient complains of ingrown toenails. The white spots on toenails can be caused by some injury.
There is offensive sweat on hands and feet. There is a sensation as if the tip of the finger is suppurating.
There are cracks on the ends of the fingers. In some cases, there is a collection of pus under the nail.
The fingertips are dry with crippled nails. When these symptoms are present, Silicea can cure the case.
Potency and dosage:
Silicea 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Silicea 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Silicea in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
4. ALUMINA: For white spots on toenails with intolerable itching
Symptoms:
Alumina is indicated for complains of pain in the arms and fingers with brittle nails.
The skin around the fingernails is dry and chapped. The patient complains of brittle nails with white spots on the nails.
Alumina can also help malnourished patients who develop white spots on their toenails.
When these symptoms match, Alumina is the best choice of medicine.
Potency and dosage:
Alumina 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Alumina 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Alumina in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
5. FLUORIC ACID: For crumbled nails with white spots
Symptoms:
Fluoric acid is used for the treatment of white spots on toenails when there is horizontal or transverse or parallel white lines on the nails.
It can be caused by heavy metal poisoning or deficiency of certain minerals.
One of the characteristic features of a Fluoric acid patient is that his nails grow rapidly.
The patient complains of a splinter-like sensation under the nails.
The symptoms are worse due to warmth and better by cold.
Potency and dosage:
Fluoric acid 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Fluoric acid 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Fluoric acid in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
6. NITRIC ACID: For white spots on nails with sticking pain
Symptoms:
Nitric acid patient complains of white discoloration of the nails with sticking pain.
The white spots can be caused by some injury. There are tiny white dots spread on the nails.
Sometimes, an isolated large dot covering the whole nail plate can also be present.
When these symptoms are present, Nitric acid is the most suitable choice of medicine.
Potency and dosage:
Nitric acid 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Nitric acid 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Nitric acid in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
7. BUFO RANA: For whites spots on nails after injury
Symptoms:
Bufo Rana is indicated in cases where there is a collection of pus under the nail. The skin around the nails is loose and full of blisters.Â
The patient complains of itching and burning in the affected nail. There are small tiny dots on the nail plate.
Some patients have parallel white lines on the nails which can be horizontal or transverse.
When these symptoms are present, Bufo Rana is the best choice of medicine.
Potency and dosage:
Bufo Rana 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Bufo Rana 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Bufo Rana in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
8. THUJA: For brittle, ingrown nails with white spots
Symptoms:
Thuja is very popular for its beneficial effects on skin-related symptoms.
The patient complains of brittle and soft nails with tiny white spots on them.
In some cases, ingrown toenails are found. Pain and soreness can be present in the affected area.
The white spots can be present in a single nail or they can involve all the nails or several nails at a time.
It is helpful for chronic cases of white spots on toenails.
Potency and dosage:
Thuja 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Thuja 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Thuja in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
9. CASTOR EQUI: For white spots on toenails with thick skin
Symptoms:
Castor Equi is used for the treatment of people suffering from white spots on their toenails who have thick skin.
This remedy has a great affinity for bone and nails. There are tiny white dots on the nail plate.
It can be caused by injury or certain nutritional deficiencies.
In some cases, all the nails are affected by white spots. The patient is having chapped hands with thick skin.
Potency and dosage:
Castor Equi 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Castor Equi 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Castor Equi in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
10. SEPIA: For white spots on toenails due to fungal infection
Symptoms:
Sepia is indicated for the treatment of people suffering from white spots on their toenails due to fungal infections.
It can treat isolated large white spots covering the whole nail plate.
The patient complains of offensive sweat on their feet and toes. The symptoms become worse with washing and laundry work.
When these symptoms are resent, Sepia can cure the case.
Potency and dosage:
Sepia 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Sepia 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Sepia in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
Remember that homeopathic remedies are prescribed based on individual symptoms and characteristics. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified homeopath for proper evaluation and personalized treatment. Homeopathy focuses on treating the whole person, so a detailed case study is necessary to select the most appropriate remedy.
Homeopathic medicines should be taken only when prescribed by a homeopathic physician. Self-medication may aggravate the original conditions.