Leukonychia
Leukonychia
It is also known as Leuconychia or "White Nails".This is the medical term for white discoloration appearing on nails. It is derived from the greek word Leuko-white and Onyx-nail.
Leukonychia most commonly appears at the base of the nail (the matrix).
Leukonychia Totalis is the whitening of the entire nail.
This may be due to hypoalbuminaemia (low albumin) which is caused by the nephritic syndrome (a form of kidney failure), liver failure, protenin, malabsorption, and protein-losing enteropathies.
This can also be caused by a genetic condition or a side effect of sulphonamides (a family of antibiotics).
This may be due to hypoalbuminaemia (low albumin) which is caused by the nephritic syndrome (a form of kidney failure), liver failure, protenin, malabsorption, and protein-losing enteropathies.
This can also be caused by a genetic condition or a side effect of sulphonamides (a family of antibiotics).
Leukonychia Partialis is the whitening of parts of the nail. It is divided into two subtypes
- Leukonychia Striata/Transverse Leukonychia or the ‘true’ leukonychia.
The most common is the 'True' Leukonychia which are small white spots on the nails which can be caused by picking and biting of the nails. This most commonly appears at the base of the nail (the matrix) in a couple of fingers or toes at most and disappears within 8 months.
- Leukonychia Striata/Transverse Leukonychia or the ‘true’ leukonychia.
The most common is the 'True' Leukonychia which are small white spots on the nails which can be caused by picking and biting of the nails. This most commonly appears at the base of the nail (the matrix) in a couple of fingers or toes at most and disappears within 8 months.
Leukonychia is necessary for nails to regrow completely.
White spots appearing on all or nearly all nails for longer can be due to zinc deficiency.