6 Ways Self-Love Will Help You Crush Your Goals
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
The Nail Doctor: Over-vigorous Manicuring Can Cause White Nails
by Richard K. Scher, MD
June 1, 19953 min to read
White spots on the nail is perhaps the most common nail disorder. The disorder is called leukonychia, which literally means "whiteness of the nails." There are many types of nail whiteness, some of which indicate serious illness; happily, by far the most common cause of white spots on the nail is minor injury to the nail matrix.
These spots on the nail plate long have been referred to as liver spots, but they have nothing to do with the liver. They are caused by trauma or minor injury to the matrix. The spots grow out from the matrix with the nail plate and eventually disappear. Nail technicians should be aware that this type of leukonychia can he caused by over-vigorous pushing hack of the cuticles with a metal or wooden instrument. Always soften the cuticles first with a lotion or warm water soak before pushing them back, and never use anything but gentle pressure.
A fungal infection of the nail may also cause a white nail plate. This is referred to as white superficial onychomycosis and will generally not disappear as the nail grows out unless it is treated with an antifungal medication. White superficial onychomycosis most commonly appears on the toenails; the fingernails are almost never involved. A much rarer type of fungal infection that can cause white nails can affect both the fingernails and toenails. Additionally, the whiteness is in the nail plate and the nail bed. Although this type of fungal infection is rare, it is important not to disregard it because it may be a sign of AIDS or HIV infection. A dermatologist can recognize, diagnose, and treat this disorder.
Exposure to some toxic materials — arsenic, for example — can causehorizontal white lines on the nail plate. Some chemotherapy patients also experience this disorder, known as Mee's lines. The lines will grow out with the nail and disappear when the chemotherapy is completed or the person is no longer being exposed to the toxic material.
Sometimes white nails are a symptom of a systemic disorder. For example, kidney disease can cause the half of the nail near the cuticle to be white, while the half near the free edge will appear pink. Called half-and-half nails or Lindsay's nails, the white is in the nail bed and not the nail plate.
When most or all of the nail bed is white, the condition is known as Terry's nails, which are most often associated with liver disease. It should be made clear, however, that sometimes Lindsay's nails and Terry's nails occur in healthy people. Only a doctor who performs the appropriate laboratory tests can determine if they are caused by an underlying illness.
Another example of white lines in the nail bed is called Muehreke's lines. These lines will appear when blood proteins such as albumin are extremely low. This can occur in seriously ill patients or in people suffering from starvation. It also can occur when a person is taking cancer drugs.
Sometimes the nail may appear white when the nail plate separates from the nail bed, which is called onycholysis. This, however, is not a true white nail and is called apparent leukonychia. I will discuss onycholysis in another column.
In summary, white nails may or may not be an important sign of a medical disorder. Fortunately, in most cases white spots on the nail plate are caused by minor injury and should not be cause for concern. However, should the condition persist or its cause be inexplicable, recommend the client have the disorder evaluated by a dermatologist.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Wellness
The Invisible Hazard in Every Nail Salon and How to Fight It
From acrylic monomers to airborne bio-dust, the air inside a nail salon carries risks most professionals never see coming. Aerovex Systems reveals the source-capture and room-purification strategies that are setting a new standard for salon safety.
Sponsored by Aerovex Systems
Nail Safety Council Warns Holiday Shoppers About Toxic 'Magic' Gel Polish Removers
Products marketed as 'magic' or 'burst' gel removers may contain methylene chloride, a federally banned, highly toxic chemical.
How Beauty Pros Can Prevent Pain: Somatic Movement for Career Longevity
Working in beauty doesn’t have to hurt. Learn how Somatic Movement helps hairstylists, lash artists, and other beauty pros release tension, improve posture, and extend their careers.
Spa Day, Safe Day: Stop Fungal Infections in Their Tracks
As a spa or salon professional, your clients expect more than just beauty—they expect safety, hygiene, and peace of mind. Fungal infections like Athlete’s Foot and Nail Fungus are more common than you think, especially in environments where tools and footbaths are reused without proper sanitation. This blog covers how to stop these issues before they start, using proven infection prevention strategies for salons and spas.
Federal Research on Nail Salon Safety Concludes Due to Budget Reductions
A federal initiative aimed at studying chemical exposure in nail salons has ended due to staffing and budget changes. Here’s what the project set out to do—and what its conclusion means for salon professionals.
by Anne Moratto
Opinion: What You Need to Know About Pedicure Safety
For many people, a pedicure is a relaxing beauty ritual. But what most don’t realize is that this simple service, if done without proper hygiene and sanitation, can cause serious infections and long-term health issues.
Onycholysis: What Nail Pros Should Know About Nail Separation
Onycholysis is the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. While it may look painful, it typically isn’t—at least not at first. But without proper care, this common nail disorder can lead to infections, deformities, and long-term damage.
What to Say--or Not Say--to Someone Grieving
Mckenzie Kool, Psychologist, MC, RPsych provides us with guidance on what may or not be helpful in speaking with someone who has suffered a significant loss.
Protecting Your Clients From Viral Infections
Clients come to you to feel their best—not leave with a viral souvenir. Warts and cold sores can spread fast in busy salons, but a few smart habits make all the difference. Let’s talk about what’s really lurking in your salon (and how to kick it to the curb).
Beauty Professionals, It's Time to Take the Green Pledge
As Earth Day approaches, The Green Beauty Community Foundation and the Green Spa Network invite beauty pros to step forward and embrace sustainability through the Green Pledge--a powerful initiative designed by and for beauty industry leaders.
How Not to Be Cynical About Valentine's Day
Don’t cancel Valentine’s Day altogether, urges Jill Palmquist. Instead, think of it as a (frilly, flowery, Champagne-bubbly) wake-up call to fall deeply in love with your own life.
Temporary Burnout or Time to Hang Up the Shears?
Life coach and Culture Ambassador of Sam Villa, Andrew Carruthers, outlines how to tell if your burnout is temporary - or if it's time to make a bigger career change.
Nail Care and Cancer Treatment: 6 Tips for a Safe Nail Service
Cancer treatment can create very specific challenges for your guest when it comes to hair, skin, and also nails. Here are some tips for working with your salon client who is going through cancer treatment to help you provide a relaxing, enjoyable, and also safe experience.
Sun Patch Protects Hands from Sun Damage
For those clients concerned about exposure from UV lamps, the Sun Patch might be a solution. Sun Patches are waterproof, reusable (up to 10 wears) block 98% of UVA/UVB rays, and maintain their UPF 50+ rating all day long.
by Anne Moratto
The Nail Doctor: Onycholysis, or Nail Separation, Has Different Varieties
One of the most common conditions that affects the nail is onycholysis, which is the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. Onycholysis occurs as a result of or along with a great variety of nail traumas and disorders. Probably the most common cause of onycholysis is a fungal infection of the nail.
Standing Stretches for Physical Longevity
Hairdressing is a physically taxing career integrating simple stretches into your daily routine can reduce the strain repetitive motion puts on your body, help you stay flexible and strong and eventually prolong your career.