If you notice white spots, lines, or a powdery, completely white appearance on your toenails, you may be experiencing leukonychia, more commonly known as white toenails or white chalky toenails.
This article will help you understand what might be causing the discoloration, what you can do to treat it, and how to prevent it from recurring.
It’s important to remember that any persistent or concerning changes in your toenails should be evaluated by a doctor or podiatrist to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Understanding Leukonychia: What are White Toenails?
Let’s get a little more specific about “white toenails.” Doctors use the term “leukonychia” to describe changes that cause your nails to turn white.
This whitening can show up in a few different ways. You might see small white spots, bigger white streaks, or even an overall white discoloration of the entire nail. The nail on your big toe is the one most often affected.
Most of the time, leukonychia is nothing to worry about. But sometimes, it can be a sign that something else is going on in your body, which we’ll discuss a little later.
Common Causes of White Toenails
So, you’ve noticed your toenails are looking a little…chalky? Here’s a rundown of the usual suspects:
Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a pretty common reason for white toenails. It can show up as white or yellowish-brown spots. Typically, these fungal infections get started after some kind of trauma to the nail bed. That injury gives the fungus an easy way in. At first, you might just see some scattered white speckles on the nail, but the infection can spread if you don’t treat it.
Toenail Trauma
Banging your toe or wearing shoes that are too tight? That can do it. Be sure to take precautions to avoid nail fungus from pedicures as well. Trauma to the nail matrix (the area where your nail grows from) can cause something called leukonychia, which basically means white spots on your nails. It’s usually the repetitive kind of trauma that does it, like running long distances, hiking in ill-fitting boots, or even getting pedicures where they’re a little too rough on your nails.
Skin Conditions
Conditions like psoriasis and eczema aren’t just skin deep; they can mess with your toenails too. Psoriasis, for example, can cause white spots, pits, discoloration, and all sorts of other changes. In fact, most people with psoriasis—around 80 to 90 percent—end up developing nail psoriasis.
Other Potential Causes
Sometimes, white toenails can be a sign of something else going on in your body. Mineral deficiencies, like iron deficiency anemia or a zinc deficiency, can lead to white, thin, and brittle toenails. And in some cases, underlying health issues, like diabetes, might play a role.
Identifying the Cause: How White Toenails Appear
It’s important to know that white toenails may present differently depending on what’s causing them.
Fungal infections, for example, typically start as small white or yellowish spots. If left untreated, these spots can spread over time, eventually covering the entire nail.
Trauma, on the other hand, might cause horizontal white lines or spots to appear. The trauma may be as obvious as stubbing your toe, or as subtle as wearing shoes that are too tight.
Any white discoloration that affects most or all of your nails in a symmetrical pattern should be evaluated by a doctor. Also, if the whiteness disappears when you press on it, that could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
What to do about white toenails
Once you know why your toenails are white, you can take steps to improve the situation.
Addressing fungal infections
If the cause is onychomycosis, you’ll need to treat the fungal infection. Treatment options include topical and oral antifungal medications that you can get from your doctor.
Toenails grow slowly, so you’ll need to be patient. “I remind my patients that any treatment or intervention will take six to nine months to yield results due to the slow nature of toenail growth,” says Dr. Rowland.
Managing trauma-related leukonychia
If the cause is trauma, avoid the source of trauma. Wear shoes that fit well and give your toes plenty of room to wiggle.
Treating skin conditions
If the cause is an underlying skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, treatment will focus on managing that condition. Your doctor may prescribe topical or systemic medications to help.
Addressing other causes
If the cause is a mineral deficiency, you’ll need to address that under medical supervision. You may also need to treat underlying health conditions to improve nail health.
Prevention strategies for healthy toenails
The best way to avoid white chalky toenails is to maintain healthy habits that prevent fungal infections and other issues. Here are some tips to keep your toenails in tip-top shape:
- Practice good foot hygiene.
- Wear breathable socks that wick away sweat.
- Change out of sweaty shoes ASAP.
- Wear your own flip-flops in public showers and locker rooms.
- Make sure your nail salon sanitizes their tools.
- Moisturize your cuticles and the skin around your nails regularly.
- Don’t overdo it with nail polish and nail polish remover.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get rid of thick, chalky toenails?
Thick, chalky toenails are often a sign of a fungal infection. Treatment typically involves prescription antifungal medications, either oral or topical. Over-the-counter remedies are often ineffective, though some explore garlic for nail fungus as a natural treatment. See a doctor or podiatrist for diagnosis and the best treatment plan.
What does Vicks VapoRub do for toenails?
Some people find that Vicks VapoRub, with its camphor and eucalyptus oil, can help soften the nail and potentially inhibit fungal growth. However, using rubbing alcohol for nail fungus is another common question with varied results. However, it’s not a proven cure for fungal infections and should be considered a complementary treatment at best, not a replacement for prescription medication.
What whitens toenails?
Several factors can cause toenails to whiten. Fungal infections are a common culprit. Other causes include trauma to the nail, psoriasis, or even certain vitamin deficiencies. The appearance of the white discoloration can vary depending on the underlying cause.
What do white toenails indicate?
White toenails can indicate several things, most commonly a fungal infection. However, they can also be a sign of minor trauma, a symptom of certain systemic diseases, or even a reaction to nail polish. It’s always best to consult a doctor to determine the specific cause and receive appropriate treatment.
How do you get rid of white powder under your toenails?
White powder under the toenails is highly suggestive of a fungal infection. Keep the area clean and dry, and consider using an antifungal treatment prescribed by your doctor. Proper hygiene and consistent treatment are key to eliminating the infection and the associated powder.
Putting It All Together
If you have white spots or streaks on your toenails that don’t go away, it’s important to see a doctor. If the whiteness affects several nails, or if the whiteness goes away when you press on it, you should see a dermatologist.
The main thing to remember is that getting a diagnosis and starting treatment early is the best way to deal with white toenails.