White nails

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Ever seen whitish spot(s) or mark(s) on your fingernails or toenails? There are lots of superstitions regarding the appearance of a white colour on the nails. Some see it as a sign of luck or blessing while some see it as a bad omen.

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The nails are ususally pale pink in colour. This condition of white discolouration appearing on the nails is medically termed as "Leukonychia".

Leukonychia is not related to any of the myth or superstitions previously mentioned. It may occur generally in healthy people or ill ones alike and it is not restricted to any age, sex or ethnicity.

Leukonychia are of different types depending the way the appear.
Leukonychia punctata : This is the most common one. Leukonychia appears as spots on the nails.
Leukonychia partialis : As the name implies, the white colouration partially cover the nails.
Leukonychia totalis : Here, the nails changes to white completely. It may also result from L. partialis.
Leukonychia can also appear in lines transversely or longitudinally as in Leukonychia straita and Longitudinal Leukonychia respectively.

The generally causes of Leukonychia include:

• Injury to the nails or trauma from nail biting, manicures, wearing tight foot wares.
• Allergies to or side effects from drugs.
• Hereditary
• Systemic illnesses like eczema, diabetes, iron deficiency, diseases relating to the kidney and others.