White spots on your nails, medically known as leukonychia, are usually harmless and most commonly result from minor trauma or injury to the nail matrix, such as bumping or biting your nails

. These spots can also arise from:

• Allergic reactions to nail products like polish, hardeners, or removers

• Fungal infections, particularly a type called white superficial onychomycosis that affects toenails and can cause white, flaky spots that may thicken and become brittle

• Nutritional deficiencies involving minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, or vitamins such as B12 and folic acid

• Frequent manicures or aggressive nail treatments that damage the nail surface or bed

• Certain medications, including some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and retinoids

• Rare hereditary conditions or systemic illnesses such as psoriasis, liver disease, kidney disease, or diabetes in more severe or widespread cases

White spots caused by injury typically grow out with the nail over weeks or months and do not require treatment

. If white spots are persistent, widespread, or accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate an underlying health issue that warrants medical evaluation

. In summary, white spots on nails are most often due to minor trauma but can also signal allergies, infections, nutritional deficiencies, or systemic diseases depending on their pattern and associated signs