Several diseases of the nails can be developed as symptoms of hereditary or congenital syndromes while others may be associated with systemic and skin disorders. Leukonychia is one of those acquired disorders, often associated with hypoalbuminaemia that causes partial or complete white discoloration of the nails.

Alternative Names:

Beau's Lines
Fingernail Abnormalities

Signs and symptoms of leukonychia

The most common signs and symptoms of Leukonychia include

Camptodactyly
Hammer toes
Gingivitis
Hyperkeratosis
Abnormal colored nails
Ddeafness
Sensorineural
Skin cysts
Skin syndactyly of fingers
Joint contractures and arthrogryposis.

Transverse Leukonychia presents multiple white lines in the fingernails which cause is unclear, but probably as consequence of abnormal keratinocyte maturation.

Causes of leukonychia

Leprosy.
Exposure to extreme cold.
Hepatic Cirrhosis.
Ulcerative Colitis.
Onychophagia.
Psychogenic Stresses.
Anemia.
Hypoproteinemia.
Occupational trauma.
A crush injury to base of the nail or the nail bed may produce a permanent deformity.
Vitamin deficiency can cause a loss of luster or brittle nails.

TREATMENT OF leukonychia

There is no treatment for leuconychia as such. The white marks will dissapear on their own, when the nails will grow outwards. Reducing minor injury to the nails may prevent the white marks.
Use of warm water before pushing them back and use colored nail polishacrylic nails or gel nails to cover those marks but being careful because any of these products may cause an allergic reaction in the surrounding skin which may damage the nails. If the condition persists or its cause is inexplicable, consider to be evaluated by a dermatologist or health care professional.