I recommend getting a second opinion, since this diagnosis does not make sense. Obviously living skin can develop allergic reactions, but the nail plate is non-living and therefore does not become “allergic.” If this spot disappears when a nail oil is applied, it may well be caused by a lack of moisture in that part of the nail plate. Applying a nail oil causes moisture to build up underneath and rehydrate the area which alleviates the dry appearance. Frequently removal of nail polish can cause this type of dryness and it would not be unusual for these dry spots to be more apparent during the wintertime when the air is dryer. — Doug Schoon is chief scientific advisor for CND.
Technique
What are the dry white spots on my client’s toenails?
July 1, 2009
More FAQ
How do I use electric files? And how do I clean them?
I’m looking for information on the safety of electric drills — specifically how to use them and sanitize them. Can you provide me the information?... read more
Can we eliminate all the layers of gel and lay a thin overlay of acrylic, seal it with Intense Seal and call it gel nails?
My students and I are having a problem with gel nails. We’ve visited a salon where the tech uses LeChat powder gel base (I don’t know the product, but it sounds like acrylic to me) and then uses IBD Intense Seal on top. She cures it for about six minutes and calls it gel nails. This seems easier than the gel systems we use at school. My question: Can we eliminate all the layers of gel and lay a thin overlay of acrylic, seal it with Intense Seal and call it gel nails?... read more
I love doing nails and have tried gel nails, but I have problems with breaking and lifting. Please help.
I love doing nails and have tried gel nails, but I have problems with breaking and lifting. Please help.... read more
How exactly are silk wraps done, and are they only applied to natural nails?
How exactly are silk wraps done, and are they only applied to natural nails?... read more
What should you do when a client wants to get a toe enhancement but there’s no nail plate to work with?
What should you do when a client wants to get a toe enhancement but there’s no nail plate to work with?... read more
How do you complete a backfill when hand filing?
I serviced a new client with a set of pink-and-whites. She said she doesn’t like the electric file and wanted me to hand file. After I completed her service she made an appointment for her two-week backfill. How do you complete a backfill when hand filing? How can you trench out a new smile line with a file? Is this possible?... read more
What is the difference between 3/32 or 1/8 or even 3/8 when talking about drill bits?
What is the difference between 3/32 or 1/8 or even 3/8 when talking about drill bits?... read more
How do you create a set of pink-and-whites by using gel with two different colors?
How do you create a set of pink-and-whites by using gel with two different colors? Is the technique different from acrylics?... read more
I have so much trouble with lifting, even when I prep the nail plate and push back the cuticles. Any suggestions?
I have so much trouble with lifting, even when I prep the nail plate and push back the cuticles. Any suggestions?... read more
How do I prevent air bubbles when putting on nail tips?
How do I prevent air bubbles when putting on nail tips?... read more
What causes my acrylic to sometimes appear cloudy and/or have white spots in it?
What causes my acrylic to sometimes appear cloudy and/or have white spots in it?... read more
Is there a particular type of “pencil” that is white that I could use to mark a smile line?
I am trying a new approach to creating the perfect salon smile line, and I was wondering if there was a particular type of “pencil” that was white that I could use to mark a smile line that could later be covered with the white acrylic powder?... read more
