How to Get Rid of White Spots on Nails

White streaks or spots sometimes appear on fingernails or toenails, a condition medically known as leukonychia. These white spots are generally harmless, often resulting from minor injuries, allergies, or vitamin deficiencies. In most cases, you can treat these spots at home using natural remedies. However, if the spots persist, it's advisable to see a doctor for further evaluation. In rare cases, white spots on nails could indicate an underlying health issue.

Moisturize Your Nails Daily. In addition to moisturizing the skin on your hands, it's also important to nourish your nails. Apply hand oil or vitamin E oil to your nails each night before bed to keep them strong and help reduce the appearance of white spots.

Try essential oils. Essential oils are known for their ability to treat white spots caused by nail damage or fungal infections. Tea tree oil and orange oil tend to work the best. Mix a few drops of the essential oil with a carrier oil like olive oil, and apply it to your nails. Let the orange oil soak in for about 45 minutes, while tea tree oil only requires 15-20 minutes.

• Always wash your nails after applying the oil.

Soak nails in white vinegar and water. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl to soak your nails. Let them sit for about 10 minutes, then wash and dry them. Do this four times a week, and you'll soon see a reduction in the white spots.

• If you have sensitive skin, dilute the vinegar with more water.

Rub lemon slices on your nails. Sometimes, a lack of vitamin C can cause white spots on nails, and lemons are packed with vitamin C. Simply cut a lemon in half and rub it on your nails. Let the lemon juice sit for 20-30 minutes, then wash and dry your nails.

Soak your nails in plain yogurt. Natural, unsweetened yogurt can help strengthen your nails and may reduce the appearance of white spots. Scoop about 3 tablespoons of yogurt into a bowl, then soak your nails for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, rinse them with warm water.

• You can also add a few drops of lemon juice or vitamin E oil to the yogurt for added benefits.

Use Alka-Seltzer tablets. Alka-Seltzer tablets are known to help reduce the appearance of white spots. Drop a couple of tablets into warm water and soak your nails for about 5 minutes.

Wait for your nails to grow out. In most cases, patience is key to getting rid of white spots on your nails. These spots will usually fade or be pushed out as your nails grow. While there are steps you can take to speed up the process, sometimes you just need to wait it out.

Change your diet. A deficiency in zinc, vitamin C, calcium, and protein can sometimes lead to white spots on nails. You can reduce these spots by replenishing the missing vitamins and minerals in your diet.

• Consume fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and apples to boost your vitamin C intake.
• Foods like broccoli, cabbage, kale, turnips, poultry, fish, and nuts also provide essential nutrients for healthy nails.
• If you're sensitive to certain foods and have trouble absorbing nutrients directly, consider taking a multivitamin supplement available at pharmacies.

Avoid biting and picking at your nails. Bad habits like biting or picking at your nails can actually damage them. If you're someone who frequently fiddles with their nails, try to stop. As you reduce the habit of biting or picking, you may notice the white spots start to fade.

• If you find it hard to resist the urge to bite your nails, try applying band-aids to your nails. Nail polish can also help, as you won’t want to ruin your newly painted nails.

Adjust your footwear. If you notice white spots on your toenails, consider changing your shoes. Tight or uncomfortable shoes can damage your toenails, leading to white spots. Switch your usual shoes for a pair that is roomier and more comfortable to see if it reduces the white spots.

• This is especially important if you engage in activities like running or other intense exercises. A comfortable pair of tennis shoes is crucial for maintaining healthy nails.

Wear gloves when cleaning. Never clean, wash dishes, or do household chores without wearing gloves. While these tasks may not seem strenuous, they can damage and dry out your nails. To keep your nails in the best possible condition, it's important to wear gloves while doing housework.

Avoid painting your nails too often. If you enjoy painting your nails, try to avoid doing so for two consecutive days. Nail polish can dry out and damage your nails, leading to issues like white spots. Pay attention to how your nails react to nail polish. If white spots frequently appear after using a particular brand, you may be allergic to it. Stop using that polish immediately.

• Additionally, try to limit nail treatments. Only get manicures on special occasions if you’re prone to white spots.

See a doctor if the white spots don’t go away. If the white spots persist despite at-home treatments, schedule an appointment with your doctor. While they are often harmless, white spots on nails can sometimes indicate underlying issues, such as anemia or liver disease. Additionally, you may need prescription medication if a fungal infection is present.

Take antifungal medication if prescribed by your doctor. If you are diagnosed with a nail fungal infection, your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medication. These medications are typically taken for 6-12 weeks and will help treat the symptoms caused by the fungal infection, including white spots.

• Be sure to inform your doctor of any current health issues before taking antifungal drugs, as they may cause rashes or liver damage.

Try using medicated creams or nail polish. Your doctor may also prescribe antifungal creams or nail polish to apply to your nails. Typically, you will need to apply it over a period of time, which can range from a few weeks to up to a year.

• You can also use a neutral-colored nail polish to cover the white spots if you'd like.