Photo: Elizabeth Hachem/Lifesize/Getty Images
Even if you have perfectly manicured nails or wear acrylics, you’ll probably notice a white spot on your nail every now and then. Most likely the result of past trauma to the hand or a vitamin deficiency, these spots can be big or small, round or flat. Whatever they look like, if you’re proud of your nails, these white spots can ruin your day and your look. While there is no magical cure to rid nails of white spots once they’ve developed, there are ways you can prevent future ones from popping up, as well as short-term solutions to help you forget about them.
1.
Wait for the nail to grow, then cut off the white spot with nail clippers. This could take up to eight months, depending on the placement of the white spot. It might be slow, but this is the only way to actually remove the white spot from your nail. File the edges of your nail after cutting, to avoid snagging your nail on your clothing.
2.
Eat a balanced diet to ensure you get plenty of vitamins and nutrients. Include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products and whole grains. Not only can this prevent future white spots; it could set you on the right path for losing weight or embracing a healthy lifestyle, if that is something you’re interested in. If you’re still not getting enough vitamins, take a daily multivitamin supplement.
3.
Avoid trauma and injury to your hands wherever possible. Don’t open soda cans with your nails, if you can help it. If you manicure your own hands, avoid putting any unnecessary pressure around the cuticle area. If you have regular professional manicures, tell your manicurist to be careful of your cuticles.
4.
Cover the white spots with colored nail polish. This ensures that the spots are out of sight and out of mind while they grow out. Experiment with new, funky nail polish colors or stick some falsies on your nails to really forget about the white spots. If you paint your nails, use a base and top coat to make the polish last longer.
If your white spots are recurring or appear suddenly, see your doctor for a checkup. Possible but unlikely causes of white nail spots include heart disease, renal failure and arsenic poisoning, but these causes are rare.
