Leukonychia is condition where the nail shell appears white. The condition comes in 3 forms: punctate, striate and universal leukonychia.
Causes
Leukonychia is caused by an abnormality known as parakeratosis. It also occurs when air bubbles get trapped during the growth of the nail.
How symptoms appear
- Punctate leukonychia
This is the most common form of leukonychia, with white dots forming around the nail matrix which gradually moves to the tip of the nail before it disappears. It’s also very common in children and teenagers, well-known as a “lucky star”. - Striate leukonychia
A stripe which is 1 to 2mm thick appears on the nail which appear to streak on top of each other like a wave. There are cases that this is genetic, however the majority are caused by this leukonychia. - Universal leukonychia
This is when the shell of the nail becomes a pail white milk like colour. Many are caused by genetics, starting to show as up when a toddler.
Treatment methods
- Punctate leukonychia
No treatment is required. - Striate leukonychia
Causes can include, arson, lead, infection (pneumonia), skin disease, and other diseases (Heart failure. Kidney failure). Other causes can include menstruation, operations and manicures. Treatment is done with these causes taken into account. - Universal leukonychia
No treatment is required. However, lunula increase in size, trichophytosis infection, cirrhosis, kidney failure and diabetes can also cause the nails to become white like universal leukonychia. It’s important to confirm that symptoms don’t belong to these conditions.
