If you notice white marks or lines on your nails, this is a common thing. This condition is called leukonychia in medical language and it is found in many people.

Often you must be seeing white lines or spots on your nails. Many times people get scared after seeing white marks on the nails. Regarding this, it is heard from grandmothers or even on the internet that these are caused by calcium deficiency. If white marks or lines are seen on your nails, then this is a common thing. This condition is called leukonychia in medical language and it is found in many people. Often people say different things about these white spots, but is this true? Is there really a calcium deficiency in our body? Let us know what are the reasons behind the white lines on the nails. 

Why do nails show white lines?

White lines on nails are called leukonychia. This is not a disease but a common change in nails. These marks can be on the entire nail or just in one part. Nails are made of many thin layers called keratin. These layers are transparent, so the pink color inside is visible. But when these layers get damaged due to injury or any other reason, air gets filled in them and white spots start appearing on that part.

What are the reasons behind white lines on nails?

1. Injury - A light or deep injury on the nail can cause white spots. Many times you bite your nails or it collides with something, which leaves these marks. Nail polish, fake nails or chemical products can also damage the nails.

2. Some diseases of the body - If white lines are visible on all the nails, then this can be a sign of some serious diseases like liver problems, kidney disease, diabetes, skin problems like psoriasis or alopecia also cause white lines on the nails.

3. Vitamin or mineral deficiency - Zinc and selenium deficiency can also cause white lines on nails. However, this deficiency is very rare in people who eat normal food. This only happens when there is a severe deficiency in the body.

4. Fungal infection - Fungal infection can turn nails white, yellow or brown. If not treated in time, the nail can also split. Mostly it occurs in toenails, but it can also occur in hands.

5. Some medicines - Some medicines like chemotherapy, some antibiotics or skin treatment medicines can also cause white lines on the nails.

How to take care of your nails?

1. Avoid artificial nails and hard chemicals.

2. Cut your nails regularly and keep them clean.

3. Wear gloves while washing utensils or doing any work involving excess water.

4.Apply moisturizer on hands and nails.

5. If the white lines on nails are caused due to an injury, the marks will disappear on their own as the nail grows.

6. If the white lines on the nails are due to fungal infection, then consult a doctor and take anti-fungal medicines.

7. If the white lines on nails are due to vitamin or zinc deficiency, then change your diet and take necessary supplements.