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White Spots on nails

February 6, 2021 | Articles, Nails | Leave a Comment

Known medically as Leukonychia, (from the Greek words leuko (“white”) and onyx (“nail”), white spots on the nail/s are most commonly caused by a minor injury or trauma to the nail matrix, the base of the nail under the skin, where the nail is formed. If you’re not sure exactly where your nail matrix is, have a look at this article on Nail Anatomy. Anyone can have white spots on their nails, no matter their sex, age, or ethnicity.

Injury can be from something as simple as biting your nails, picking off your gel polish, or tapping your fingernails on a hard surface. Accidentally banging your nails during day-to-day activities, or slamming a finger in a door, window or drawer is a little more painful and also causes these spots. Incorrectly fitting footwear can cause white spots on the toenails, as can bumping or kicking your toes on low furniture such as a couch, bed post or door frame.

Complete regrowth for a fingernail takes between 6-9 months, while a toenail takes between 12-18 months. A white spot can take months to grow out to the point where it is seen in the middle of the nail, and by then, you would have probably forgotten all about the minor injury that caused it. 

Typically, the white spots are harmless, they just grow out with the nail and that’s it. White spot gone. From a maintenance perspective, white spots are usually just left alone. They are not contagious and don’t affect your manicure service. Nail polish covers them and most people don’t even know they’re there, even without polish.

Although, in very rare cases white spots can indicate a larger problem. Certain health conditions and medications (such as chemotherapy and treatments for bacterial infections) can also cause them. 

If you are experiencing other health problems, such as skin conditions (such as eczema or psoriasis), diabetes, or you have heart, kidney or liver issues, then you would need to contact your doctor and bring the white spots to their attention. Just like the eyes are the windows to the soul, the nails are the windows to the body’s internal wellbeing. 

When it is an internal issue rather than just minor trauma, the white spots will appear on multiple nails, not just one. The spots will grow out at the same level and rate on all the affected nails. If you have a few white spots at different levels on odd nails, with no underlying medical issues, the chances are you’re probably just accident prone or bump your nails often. If you’re worried about it, there’s no harm in getting your doctor to check them out and put your mind at ease. 

Please remember that your nail technician is not medically qualified to make a diagnosis based on what s/he sees on your nails. If s/he suspects that something looks out of the ordinary, please do not be offended if s/he asks you make an appointment with your doctor to have it looked at it before performing your manicure or pedicure service. It may be inconvenient for you not to get a manicure or pedicure on that day, as you had planned, but your nail technician should have your overall health and wellbeing in mind and not just doing your nails and sending you on your way. 

If you don’t get frequent manicures and you notice something on your own nails that looks out of the ordinary, make an appointment (or a virtual appointment) to see your doctor and have it checked, or discuss it with them. 

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About

Debbie is a qualified nail technician and freelance make-up artist, based in Army Bay, Whangaparaoa (Auckland).

Debbie studied nail technology at Monaco Nail Academy (qualified in 2015), and uses the Artistic Nail Design range which includes Colour Gloss gel polish, Artistic Putty (also known as PolyGel), and Rock Hard LED Gel.

Debbie also holds CIBTAC and ITEC qualifications in make-up artistry, and obtained these in 2010 and 2012 respectively.

Disclaimer

I do not receive monetary compensation for any of the product reviews posted on my blog. All reviews are based on my own personal opinion after purchasing and using the products myself.

If I am approached by a company to review a product for them at any time (or am paid to do so), this will be mentioned in the relevant post. Being given free products, or being paid to promote a product will not change my personal honest opinion of the product.

Please bear in mind that every body is unique, and although I may not have an allergic reaction to the make-up or skincare products that I have reviewed, your skin may react differently. Wherever possible, please patch test new make-up and skincare products on yourself before purchasing them.

Thank you,
Debbie
Rambling Rose Nails & Make-up

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As per tonight’s Covid announcement, Auckland is As per tonight’s Covid announcement, Auckland is going into Level 3 lockdown at 6am tomorrow morning for seven days. This means that I have to cancel all appointments for the next week, and close my business temporarily.  I have already contacted all clients who were booked in from Tuesday to Saturday, informing them of this. 

I will only be able to reopen the salon and rebook appointments once we move into Level 2.  The online booking system will be reactivated once we move into Level 2. 

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support. 
Stay safe x

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I love the colour combination that this client cho I love the colour combination that this client chose for their PolyGel extensions.

Artistic Colour Gloss in Fashionista, Goddess and Gear to my Heart.

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For those of you who can't afford a gel polish man For those of you who can't afford a gel polish manicure every three weeks, we have buffing blocks for sale.  Buffing your natural nails helps to improve blood circulation to the nail plate, it gives them a shiny finish without the use of nail polish, and makes them look pretty and well maintained. 

You can find these buffing blocks (along with a few other at-home nail essentials) in our online store www.ramblingrose.co.nz/shop or use the link in the bio and navigate to the shop on the menu bar.  We ship throughout NZ (rural courier fees apply).

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Do you prefer a matte or shine finish on your mani Do you prefer a matte or shine finish on your manicure?

Me? ... I quite like matte nails in winter and a shiny finish in summer, but that's just my personal preference.

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