White, Flaky Toenails?
Understanding White Chalky Toenails: When to Worry & What to Do
Noticing your toenail white and chalky? You’re not alone. This condition, often a sign of underlying health or hygiene issues, can be unsightly and concerning. Whether it’s due to fungal infections, trauma, or nutritional deficiencies, white chalky toenails shouldn’t be ignored. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, our experienced podiatrists are here to help you uncover the cause and provide proven treatments for clearer, healthier nails.
What Causes White Chalky Toenails?
White chalky toenails may appear suddenly or worsen over time. Common culprits include fungal infections (onychomycosis), overly dry nail beds, repeated trauma (from tight shoes or physical activity), or even a reaction to nail polish chemicals. In some cases, medical conditions like psoriasis or nutritional deficiencies can be the root cause. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating the toenail white and chalky condition to restore your confidence and comfort.
White Chalky Toenails From Nail Polish Causes & Home Remedies
95% of the time, white chalky toenails from nail polish are caused by something called keratin granulations. This is superficial dehydration!
- White toenail fungus & keratin granulations can be improved with a few simple treatment changes.
- We are foot doctors & we see this problem get better almost every day.
- The goal is to solve this problem without medication or surgery if at all possible.
Toenail Pain (Toenail Fungus, Ingrown Toenails, Discolored Toenails)
Get Clearer Nails Today — Book an Expert Evaluation
Don’t let white chalky toenails affect your confidence. Schedule an appointment with Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Michigan for a personalized treatment plan.
White Chalky Toenails Treatment Video:
White Chalky Toenails? Top 7 Causes & Treatments | Balance Foot & Ankle
Are your toenails looking unusually white, dry, and chalky? You’re not alone. Many people notice their toenails turning white and brittle, sometimes flaking or crumbling at the edges. While it may seem like just a cosmetic issue at first, white chalky toenails can be a sign of deeper health concerns. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, we help patients across Michigan get to the root of their nail problems and restore their foot health.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the top 7 causes of toenail white and chalky conditions and the most effective treatment options available today.
Top 7 Causes of White Chalky Toenails
1. Fungal Infections (Onychomycosis)
The most common culprit behind chalky white toenails is a fungal infection. Fungus can invade the nail bed, causing discoloration, thickening, and crumbling. It usually begins as a white or yellow spot and spreads over time.
2. Excessive Use of Nail Polish or Remover
Chemicals in nail polish or harsh acetone removers can dry out your toenails, leaving them looking pale and powdery. Over time, the nails may weaken and become brittle.
3. Dehydration or Dry Nail Beds
When your nails lack moisture, they can become chalky, dull, and cracked. This is especially common in people who don’t moisturize their feet regularly or who frequently wear open shoes in dry climates.
4. Trauma or Repeated Pressure
Wearing tight shoes or sustaining repeated impact (like from running or sports) can damage the nail plate, causing it to appear white, flaky, or chalky.
5. Psoriasis or Eczema
These skin conditions can affect your nails as well. Nail psoriasis may lead to white spots, pitting, or thickened nails that mimic fungal infections.
6. Nutritional Deficiencies
A lack of essential nutrients like biotin, zinc, or iron may cause nail discoloration and texture changes, including the chalky appearance you’re seeing.
6. Nutritional Deficiencies
A lack of essential nutrients like biotin, zinc, or iron may cause nail discoloration and texture changes, including the chalky appearance you’re seeing.
White Chalky Marks on Toenails Causes:

White Toenail Picture Gallery
Look:
- These photos are of dehydrated superficial nail keratin granulations vs. other toenail conditions.
- Keratin granulations are white chalky appearing dehydration.
- It is possible that some toenail fungus could be mixed in with the keratin granulations.
- It is also possible to have superficial white onychomycosis.
Pictures of Keratin Buildup Under Toenails
Click on pictures for full size & descriptions:
What Causes White Chalky Toe Nails From Nail Polish:
- Dehydration is the number one cause of white chalky toenails from nail polish.
- Although wearing nail polish looks good, wearing it for too long can suck out the moisture and dry your nails out, causing the white spots.
- You need to allow your nails time to recover.
- If you do not wear nail polish very frequently you could simply need to drink more water.

- Dehydration
- Wear nail polish less frequently
- Drink more water
Symptoms:
- The most obvious symptom would be white and Chalky Toe nails, because this usually happens when the nails becomes dried out.
- The nail is usually brittle and thin.
- Other than nails becoming dry and brittle, the symptoms are usually just cosmetic and do not hurt.

- White and Chalky buildup on the toenail surface.
- Brittle and weak toenails.
- They can be dry and the toenail root can also be dry.
Treatment of White Chalky Toenails From Nail Polish:

- There is not much that can be done once your nails become white and chalky.
- Once your nails turn white, you must let your nail grow out and trim until the white area is able to be cut off.
- To prevent the white and chalky nail from happening in the future, you want to wear nail polish occasionally allowing your nails time to recover, along with drinking plenty of water.

- Hydrate with water..
- Wear nail polish less frequently and use non-acetone removal solutions.
- Allow nail time to grow out and trim it down as much as possible.
Other Nail Conditions:
- If you paint your nails very often with red, yellow or orange colors, it can cause your nails to turn yellow.
- Although yellowing nails does not look appealing, it is only cosmetic and will pass if you give your nails a break from nail polish.
- That being said, there are medical conditions that can cause your toe nails to turn yellow.

Conditions can cause yellowing toe nails include:
- Diabetes.
- Jaundice.
- Psoriasis.
- Thyroid conditions.
Contact Your Podiatrist:
- As always it is very important to contact your podiatrist with any foot or ankle concerns you may have!
- Your Doctor will help resolve any issues you may have the best and fast way possible!
Toenail Fungus Home Treatment:
- These are our favorite products to treat toenail fungus at home.
- It is difficult to properly diagnose any health problem such as toenail fungus with 100% certainty. So see your podiatrist and make sure you are not missing anything!
- Also, many of these products are considered beauty products more so than health products. Just be aware that they are not always FDA evaluated or approved in any way.
How to Fix Toenail Fungus:
- There are many different types of toenail damage.
- In our experience, about easily 50% or more is related to toenail fungus.
- The key to toenail fungus is to trim it as much as possible and file that nail down vertically and length-wise.
- If you can do that, you have to make sure you can kill fungus the rest of the way with creams and topical medication.
- The best way to do that is to soak exfoliate the affected toenail skin. So, foot soaks can be a strong anti-fungus solution.
- At the same time, you have to apply anti-fungal medication such as these medications evaluated here or the toenail repair pens.










Recommended Foot Fungus Products:
- It is also vital to fix your foot fungus.
- Athlete’s feet can be beneficial to remove from the foot because if left unchecked, they can quickly spread back to the toenails even if they are fixed.
- Even if you cure your toenail fungus, keep your toenails trimmed in healthy: your foot fungus can spread back into toenails.
- So make sure you treat your foot fungus, as well as your toenail fungus.








Best Toenail Fungus Clippers & Files:
- You have to be careful using at home, and definitely be safe and don’t use these if you have dangerous health conditions.
- It is important to see a podiatrist for foot evaluation and care if you have continued health care issues or problems with your feet.
- These are some great value heavy-duty clippers and sets.
- The key is to cut straight across and file the nail down from the top to keep it from impinging in the corners.
- It is also important to make sure all dead, dry skin is removed surrounding the foot.
- This is where you should really see your podiatrist if you have any concerns or are worried about cutting or hurting yourself.
- This is something covered, so don’t take chances with your health!






Best Toenail Fungus Polish and Remover:
- There is some great toenail fungus polish options and polish removal options.
- There are no acetone-based toenail polish removers, they don’t dry as quickly, but they are less like a dehydrator toenail.
- This also applies to your fingernails and hands.
- The benefits of using these non-toxic toenail polishes are that they are filled with non-fungal options such as tea tree oil, preventing toenail fungus.
- These can also work well for the fingernails.
- So great combo is to use one of these healthier toenail paint options, as well as a non-acetone-based toenail polish remover.






Best Shoes For Toenail Injuries:
- The key to prevent toenail ripping and lifting is to have good supportive shoes.
- If you have a good supportive shoe that keeps pressure off your toes in your toenails, there will be no lifting and cracking to allow bacteria and fungus to get in.
- This almost seems counter-intuitive, but when people make a switch to perfect supportive shoes that fit properly, their toenail problems almost always get better over the next few months or a year.
- Your current nail is already likely destroyed, especially with joggers toe, but let the new nail growing healthy without new damage.
- Click the following link for our most recommended shoes. Try to focus on shoes with mesh and room around the big toe and also the smaller toes.
Best Antifungal Moisture Wicking Socks:
- These are some great options for moisture-wicking sucks.
- The more you can wick moisture from your foot, the less chance there is that toenail fungus, and athlete’s foot can survive.
- We tried to focus on budget value stocks that are not too expensive.
- Sure there are better stocks out there, but these are great socks for a great price for most people.
- If you have diabetes, focus on getting yourself some diabetic socks.
Best Woman’s Antifungal Socks:








Best Men’s Antifungal Socks:




Toenail Pain (Toenail Fungus, Ingrown Toenails, Discolored Toenails)
Frequently Asked Questions About White Chalky Toenails
Common causes include fungal infections, nail trauma, dry nails, or overuse of nail polish.
Not always. While fungus is common, trauma, dryness, or chemical exposure can also be to blame.
Mild cases may improve with over-the-counter antifungals, but persistent issues need professional care.
If caused by a fungal infection, yes—it can spread to other nails or people.
Improper tools, non-sterile equipment, or harsh polish removers may contribute.
At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, we examine the nail and may take a small sample for lab analysis.
Treatments include topical or oral antifungals, laser therapy, or removing damaged parts of the nail.
With early treatment and proper care, most nails can recover and grow back healthy.
Keep nails clean and dry, avoid tight shoes, use breathable footwear, and don’t share nail tools.