From Zinc Deficiency to Fungus: White Nail Spots May Not Be So Innocent

Growing up, we have all heard that white spots on nails appear when your body is running low on calcium. I wonder if this is a myth, our moms came up with, to convince us to drink more milk. While calcium has its fair share in your nail health, it is not causing these spots. However, it is Zinc, whose deficiency leads to the sudden appearance of those ugly spots. Wanna know how? Let’s find out!

Zinc – The Nail Hero You Didn’t Know You Needed

Imagine your body is like a big busy city, and Zinc is an undercover hero who quietly keeps everything running smoothly. In actual terms, zinc is a mineral that your body needs to perform hundreds of processes every day. A study (Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety Vol.13,2014) found that zinc plays an important role as a trace mineral in human nutrition and lifestyle. It is a multi-tool that helps in fixing, defending, and building your immune system. Without zinc, the city, in this case your body starts falling apart. You might get sick, notice your nails getting spotty or weak, or your wounds take a longer time to heal.

How Your Nails Tell You Are Low on Zinc

Have you ever struggled growing your nails, because they keep breaking? Or have you ever wondered what those white spots on your nails really are? It’s time to know what is causing these. Zinc deficiency often manifests in nails as white streaks or spots, a condition called Leukonychia. According to a study, these white spots grow out with the fingernail, taking up to 5 to 6 months. Another symptom of zinc deficiency is brittle nails. Zinc is a crucial element for cell division and growth. Its deficiency can cause your nails to become weak, soft, and prone to breaking. You need to give your body zinc, opt for zinc supplements to fulfill your daily intake.

Weak Nails? This is When Fungus Sneaks In

Now this is where it gets interesting! They have got this fancy sciencyy term ‘Onychomycosis’ (so hard to pronounce!) for this condition, sounds scary right? Lemme explain what it actually means. So weak, thin, or brittle nails are not as harmless as you think. Instead, they are an open invitation for fungus to settle in. When your nails are weak, it is easier for the fungi to sneak in and cause an infection.

Think of your body as a house with doors falling off the hinges, and fungi are those unwanted guests who are waiting to barge in. In this scenario, the doors are your brittle nails, which are too weak to provide your body with the protection it needs. Over time, this nasty little fungus causes your nails to turn yellow, thicken, and sometimes even separate from the nail bed. This condition is called Onychomycosis. It may infect both fingernails and toenails, but onychomycosis of the toenail is much more common. From recent studies, over the last 20 years, the prevalence of onychomycosis has increased from 2% to 14%.

Fungus Thrives Where You Sweat

I can hear you asking yourself, “How do I even get nail fungus?”. Well, here’s the answer to your innocent question! Fungus is usually found in environments that are damp and warm. It needs moisture to grow and reproduce. Places like public swimming pools, steamy showers, your sweaty socks, and damp clothing can provide an ideal environment for the fungus to grow and spread. Sometimes, repeatedly wearing old and worn-out shoes can also result in fungal infections.  

Signs You Already Have a Fungal Nail Infection

Imagine you are already living with a fungal nail infection, and you don’t even know it! Scary, huh? Well, here are a few common signs to look out for:

• Yellow or brown nails
• Thickened nails
• A bad smell
• Crumbly or brittle texture

If you have any of these symptoms, good news, you’re positive for a fungal nail infection.

Get Rid of Fungus – Saying Goodbye to Weak Nails

Well, now we know that fungus loves dark, warm, and moist places. So why not provide the opposite? Here are a few ways to prevent fungal infections:

• Keep your nails short
• Wear clean socks every day
• Keep your nails clean and dry
• Wash your hands and feet regularly
• Choose shoes made of breathable materials

Nail Care 101 – Scrub, Trim, Repeat

Are you searching for ways to turn your weak, brittle, and thin nails into strong, smooth, and spot free ones? Don’t worry, because we have got you covered! Here are a few simple ways to strengthen your nails:

• Intake of biotin rich food like eggs, nuts, and leafy greens
• Drink plenty of water
• Keep nails trimmed
• Minimize water exposure 
• Avoid gel or acrylic nails 
• Increase protein consumption

It’s Never Too Late – See a Doctor Today

While this fungal infection is not life threatening, it has high morbidity rates. Patients with this condition are advised to seek medical help, before the infection progresses and leads to nail deformity, sepsis, or other complications. If there is any change in your nails, like yellowing, thickening, or pain, it’s time to see a doctor for a timely diagnosis and treatment. The treatment may include antifungal medication, topical therapy, or surgical nail removal. Remember, this treatment cannot ensure a completely clear nail. According to a clinical study, only 12% of patients achieved either a completely or almost clear toenail.

Listen up! Your Nails Are Crying for Help

To sum it up, your nails are a window to your overall health and well-being. A little change in color, shape, or texture might look normal at first, but trust me, it could be your body’s way of telling you that there’s something wrong. Ignoring all those white spots, isn’t going to help! From zinc deficiency to a serious fungal infection, a little ignorance can cost you a lot. Your nails are worth more than just a quick coat of nail paint. So, the next time, when you trim or paint your nails, take a closer look. They might have something to say.