Fingernails can reflect a lot about our daily well-being. The appearance of white lines or spots, generally known as leukonychia, is a common finding and, in most cases, does not indicate a serious problem.
These marks can appear as tiny dots, fine horizontal or vertical lines, or larger whitish areas. Their appearance varies depending on their origin: sometimes they arise from micro-impacts on the nail matrix (aggressive manicures, pressure from footwear, minor trauma) and other times from chemical irritation related to nail polish, nail polish remover, or detergents.
It is also common for the nail plate to show ridges and changes in texture over time, which are part of normal aging.
Common causes and how to distinguish them
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