The phenomenon of leuconychia that appear on the nails of adults and children in the form of white spots, may signal the development of different diseases.
Leukonychia represent a cluster of tiny air bubbles are trapped between multiple layers of the nail plate. To pinpoint the mechanism of appearance of spots on nails evidence-based medicine is not yet able, however, long-term observations suggest several possible reasons for these changes of nail, writes the Chronicle.Info with reference to My child.
Mechanical damage to nail
Any, even the most minor injury may trigger the appearance of white spots on the nails. It is believed that such mechanical reason most likely and most common. By the way, if my mother had white spots, you may want to be careful when doing manicures. Characteristic of such lakoniki – spot usually appears on one, maximum two fingers and moves outward with the growth of the nail.
The lack of calcium
If in the child’s body lacks enough calcium, its deficiency is manifested by spots on the nails will likely be apparent and other symptoms: brittle nails and hair, dry skin, frequent effektivno-respiratory attacks and others. To rectify the situation it is really changing the children’s diet, and in severe cases, the doctor may recommend to take extra calcium supplements.
The lack of protein
The Foundation of the nail plates (like hair) is a protein keratin, and for its formation it is necessary that the child’s body is getting enough complete protein. It is believed that the most available and efficient source of protein is animal products: meat, eggs, dairy products, fish. But there is protein in plant foods, such as legumes, nuts, leafy vegetables and herbs. The shortage of protein in the nails appear not only white spots, but the horizontal convex band is just more characteristic.
Iron deficiency anemia
Reduced level of hemoglobin causes disturbed transport of oxygen in the blood, which manifests itself in different symptoms. Depending on the severity of the condition of the child noticed his fatigue, pallor of skin and mucous membranes, including leukonychia that may appear in large numbers and in different sizes on one or on several a few nails.
Zinc deficiency
Zinc is essential for the formation and health of not only the nail plate, and its lack can be manifested in the form of longitudinal white stripes at all or more nails. To deficiency of zinc can result in an unbalanced diet – so the excess protein and lack of calcium interfere with the absorption of zinc. In addition, this mineral is washed out under stress, especially prolonged, as well as under the influence of pesticides.
Vitamin starvation
Lack of certain vitamins can also be an indirect cause of leukonychia. Pediatricians and dermatologists believe that deficiency of vitamins a, C, E and some of group b, for example: B6 and B12, can also manifest itself in the form of white spots on the nails.
To summarize
If one nail appeared a white spot, which moves along with the nail grows, the child feels good, hair and nails normal – likely to cause the microtrauma. And it does not require any interference – the spot will go together with cut nail.
Be alerted should a large number of white spots of different shapes on several, and even more on all nails.
To the doctor should contact if except white spots appear on the nail grooves, noticed brittle nails and skin problems.
Alone we can only try to adjust the child’s diet, any medications can be given only after consultation with the doctor.
