Leukonychia refers to white discoloration of the nails. It is usually harmless but can sometimes indicate underlying health issues.
🔍 Types of Leukonychia
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Leukonychia punctata | Small white spots on nails, often from minor trauma (most common type) |
| Leukonychia striata (Transverse leukonychia) | White lines running across the nail, often due to injury or systemic illness |
| Leukonychia totalis | Entire nail appears white, may be hereditary or related to systemic conditions |
| Leukonychia partialis | Part of the nail is white, can be from trauma or infection |
⚠️ Causes
- Trauma to nail matrix (most common cause)
- Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., zinc, calcium)
- Systemic illnesses (liver disease, kidney disease, hypoalbuminemia)
- Fungal infections
- Genetic causes
- Chemotherapy or drug reactions
🔍 Signs and Symptoms
- White spots, lines, or patches on one or multiple nails
- Usually painless and asymptomatic
- May grow out with the nail over time
🛠️ Diagnosis
- Clinical examination
- Patient history (trauma, medications, systemic disease)
- Laboratory tests if systemic disease suspected
🛡️ Management
- Usually no treatment needed if benign and related to trauma
- Address underlying causes if systemic disease or deficiency present
- Maintain nail care and avoid trauma