Ways to prevent and treat white nails

Leukonychia is the term that is most commonly used to describe white nails. While most people see white nails as mostly a cosmetic problem it can be an indication of something more serious.There are several different causes for white nails.These causes can include, but are not limited to:

• Nail trauma (including biting and scraping nails)
• Nutritional deficiencies especially in Calcium, Vitamin C and Zinc
• More serious causes can include: yeast infections, high fevers and Cirrhosis. However, it is important to note that these causes are usually rare.

The least serious and most common cause of white nails is usually nail trauma.This type of trauma to the nail causes tiny bubbles of air to be trapped under the nail. While this is mostly cosmetically unpleasant, it can be mildly uncomfortable.However, it is important to know that although there is no treatment available, they will eventually grow out with the nail plate, which usually takes a couple of months. In addition, tapping nails on hard surfaces may damage the nail matrix, which can also lead to white nails. For those who live in certain climates, it is also important to know that extremely cold temperatures can cause the condition to develop, so it is a good idea to always wear the appropriate clothing to help protect your nails.

Biting and scraping nails can also cause the disease to develop. If you are prone to this problem experts advise that it is best avoid artificial nails, nail hardeners, and enamels because they can cause fine splits in nails. These fine splits can also cause white spots on the nails. You should also avoid cutting, or pushing back the cuticles above the nails, which can damage your nails and, can lead to the disease. It is also important to realize that preventing nails from becoming dry, and brittle, will make them less prone to developing Leukonychia. After each hand washing, massage a natural hand lotion into each nail bed. If your nails continue to be brittle, avoid using nail polish. Finally experts advise that you should always wear gloves before doing any cleaning, gardening, or any type of rough work.

If you are trying to strengthen your nails, and prevent white nails, you can make your own nail strengthening oil at home. An easy to do this, is to combine a couple of drops of cypress, and sandalwood, to a couple of drops lavender, and then add a tablespoon of almond oil. Mix well and store in a dark bottle. You should warm the bottle up in a bowl of hot water, before applying each day.

If your diet is causing your white nails, then you can increase your Zinc intake by consuming more whole grains, nuts, and green leafy vegetables. Some other good sources of Zinc are raw, un-roasted, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds, and Brewer's yeast. You can also increase vitamin C intake by consuming more citrus fruits, and vegetables, such as cabbage and green peppers. If you have eating problems or are afraid that you are nutritional deficient it can be helpful to contact your health care provider, about taking a multi-vitamin and/or Calcium supplement.

If you have taken steps to lesson nail trauma, and have increased the nutrients in your diet, and still suffer from white nails, it can be a good idea to consult with your health care provider.While white nails rarely signal a serious medical condition, failure to respond to treatment should be discussed with your health care provider.He or she can then determine and rule out possible serious conditions that could be causing your white nail problem.