The white semicircle on nails is called the lunula, which is the visible portion of the matrix, the tissue just beneath the nail that produces the cells that become the hardened nail plate. The lunula is usually most visible on the thumb and is a whitish color, taking up a small portion of the bottom of the nail. The appearance of the lunula or overall nail can be a sign of an underlying condition. For instance, not being able to see a half-moon on the nails may be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, vitiligo, kidney failure, or another health condition. However, the absence of lunulae does not always indicate a serious health problem, but it is a good idea to discuss the issue with a doctor. Some conditions that can cause changes in the nails include:
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Malnourishment due to extreme diets, medical conditions that affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, and eating disorders can cause changes in the nails.
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People with B-12 deficiency may notice that their lunulae disappear. They may also develop brownish-gray nails.
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Terry’s nails: This condition causes the bulk of your nail to appear white, completely covering the lunula.
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Silver poisoning: This can cause the entire nail to turn a bluish-gray color.
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Fluoride: This can cause white spots or streaks on the nails.
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Heart failure, renal disease, and renal failure can cause the nails to turn pale or white.
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Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition that causes the skin to lose color, usually in patches. This happens when the cells that produce melanin die or stop functioning.
In conclusion, the white semicircle on nails is called the lunula, which is the visible portion of the matrix, the tissue just beneath the nail that produces the cells that become the hardened nail plate. The appearance of the lunula or overall nail can be a sign of an underlying condition, and some conditions that can cause changes in the nails include malnourishment, B-12 deficiency, Terry’s nails, silver poisoning, fluoride, heart failure, renal disease, renal failure, and vitiligo.
