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White Stains on Toenails and Fingernails
Causes, Symptoms, and Best Treatments
White stains on toenails caused by nail polish are known as keratin granulations. They result from dehydration of the nail plate due to prolonged polish use or harsh removers. Though harmless, they’re often mistaken for superficial white onychomycosis, a fungal infection requiring treatment.
Other causes of white nail spots include trauma, nutritional deficiencies, and skin conditions like psoriasis. If you're unsure whether it's cosmetic or something more serious, it's best to consult a podiatrist or dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
White Stains on Toenails – These are usually caused by drying and flaking of the nails; especially after removing nail polish! Learn what to do about them!
White Stains?
White stains caused by nail polish leading are “keratin granulations”. These are frequently misdiagnosed as superficial white onychomycosis but there are other reasons white stains can occur on the toenails and fingernails. The other causes of white stains on your toenails are due to scraping or hitting your nails, nail fungus or due to other systemic problems. The systemic problems option should not be suspected unless you rule out all the other options, so don’t worry!
1. White Stains After Removing Nail Polish
Nail polish can dehydrate the nail leading to what is called “keratin granulations”. This is an extremely tricky diagnosis as almost everyone will think that this is a common type of nail fungus called superficial white onychomycosis. It is more likely to occur the older you get, but have no fear, there is an easy treatment that works in most people! The treatment for keratin granulations is to rehydrate the nail.
Home Treatment for White Stains on Toenails and Fingernails
- -Buy some cutical oil or any other emollient and apply it daily to the nail until it starts to get better.
- -You can use any moisturizing agent to perform this function, they do not add water to the skin or the nail, but simply prevent water water loss from the cells.
- -Nail polish really dries out the nail, so oils help reverse those dehydrating effects.
- -The nail should get better in a matter of days or weeks.
- -If you let your nails grow out because the moisturizing agent is not working; the bad news is that toenails and fingernails only grow at a rate of 1 millimeter per month. This means 6-9 months for toenails and potentially even longer for fingernails.
- -It is very difficult to make the nails grow any faster. There are many gimmicks out there that report stronger nails, but really all you can do is increase your metabolism and health by getting some more sun and exercising. Fun Fact: Nails grow up to 50% faster in the summer over the winter.
2. White marks on nail due to trauma or injury
White marks on the toenail or white marks on the fingernail can occur due to damage to the keratin(the substance that makes up the nails) is usually irreversible and you should just wait until it grows out. This doesn’t ever have any consequences.
Home Treatment
- -The bad news is that toenails and fingernails only grow at a rate of 1 millimeter per month. This means 6-9 months for toenails and potentially even longer for fingernails.
- -It is very difficult to make the nails grow any faster. There are many gimmicks out there that report stronger nails, but really all you can do is increase your metabolism and health by getting some more sun and exercising. Fun Fact: Nails grow up to 50% faster in the summer over the winter.
3. White Stains That are due to Superficial White Onychomycosis (Nail Fungus)
Nail fungus can look very similar to keratin granulations. Click on this link to our comprehensive nail fungus home treatment guide. Always be sure to see a podiatrist if you are ever unsure!
4. White Nails Due to Systemic Problems
If the nail does not seem like described in the above three situations and it is really bothering you, make sure to see your doctor!
Other Related Nail Problems:
See if any of these other problems apply to your situation!
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Understanding White Stains on Toenails: Common Questions Answered
A white stain is a discoloration that appears as a spot, streak, or patch on the nail surface, often due to trauma, fungus, or chemical exposure.
It can be. White superficial onychomycosis is a type of fungal infection that causes chalky white patches on the nail.
Yes. Repeated pressure, stubbing, or tight footwear can damage the nail matrix, leading to white marks.
Not necessarily. While hygiene plays a role, stains are more often linked to trauma, polish chemicals, or infections.
Most are temporary and grow out with the nail. Persistent or worsening stains may require medical attention.
Definitely. Frequent use of polish or acetone-based removers can dehydrate the nail, causing white spots.
Treatment depends on the cause—ranging from moisturizing and trimming to antifungal creams or professional care.
Mild stains are often harmless, but if they persist or spread, it’s best to consult a pediatrician or podiatrist.
Wear breathable shoes, avoid harsh nail products, keep feet clean and dry, and protect nails from trauma.