White spots on your nails, medically known as leukonychia, are usually harmless and most commonly caused by minor trauma or injury to the nail matrix, such as banging your finger or aggressive manicures

. These spots often appear as small white dots (leukonychia punctata) and will grow out naturally with the nail over time

. Other potential causes include:

• Allergic reactions to nail products like polish, remover, or acrylic nails

• Fungal infections , which can cause white, flaky spots especially on toenails

• Nutritional deficiencies , particularly zinc or calcium deficiency

• Medications such as chemotherapy drugs or antibiotics

• Exposure to heavy metals like arsenic or lead, which can cause white lines or spots

• Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema affecting the nail matrix

• Underlying systemic illnesses such as heart disease, kidney failure, or diabetes, though these are rare causes

Frequent manicures or harsh nail treatments can damage the nail surface or matrix, leading to white spots as well

. In most cases, white spots are not a sign of serious illness and will resolve as the nail grows out. If the spots persist, spread, or are accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation to rule out infections, nutritional deficiencies, or systemic conditions

Summary

White spots on nails are usually caused by minor injury or trauma but can also result from allergies, fungal infections, mineral deficiencies, medications, or more rarely, systemic illnesses. They typically grow out with the nail and do not require treatment unless associated with other symptoms