White Toenails: Common Causes and Effective Solutions

Key Highlights

• White toenails, also called leukonychia, often come from nail fungus or when the nail plate gets hurt. You might see some small white spots or the entire nail can turn a chalky white. But not all white spots on nails mean you have an infection. Small injuries, too much pressure, or other things that don't cause infection can also make the nail plate get white spots.

• You can see anything from small white spots to the entire nail being chalky white.

• Most white toenails aren't serious and are harmless, but sometimes they can mean you have an underlying health issue such as liver disease or nutritional deficiencies.

• Good and effective treatment depends on the cause. It could be using antifungal drugs or just waiting for the nail to grow out and look normal again.

• To prevent this, it's best to practice good nail care, choose footwear that fits well, and stay away from harsh chemicals like those found in some nail polish remover.

Introduction

Have you seen white spots or a chalky look on your toenails? You may wonder what is going on with your nails. This is called leukonychia. The condition is common. It can look scary, but the cause is often something simple. A fungal infection can make your nails change color. The nail plate can get hurt and turn white. Sometimes, harsh nail polish will make your toenails lose their normal color too. Cleveland Clinic says it is important to find out what is making your nails look this way. That will help you know what to do so your nails can look good and healthy again.

What Are White Toenails? Understanding the Condition

White toenails show some or all parts of the nail turning white. The nail plate, which is the solid part of the nail, may have an issue. This problem can be from where the nail grows (nail matrix) or from the nail bed that is below the nail. White spots or discoloration on toenails do not always mean you have an infection; they can result from minor trauma, nutritional deficiencies, or other non-infectious causes.

There are two kinds of whitening you can see in nails. One is true leukonychia. Here, the nail plate is actually white. The other is called apparent leukonychia. In this type, the nail looks white because something is going on with the nail bed below. If you press on the nail, it can help you know which one it is. In apparent leukonychia, the whiteness fades when you push down on the nail (DermNet NZ, 2023).

Appearance and Key Symptoms of White Toenails

The main sign of white toenails is a change in color. This can show up in a few different ways. You might see white spots spread out on the nail surface. Sometimes there are light lines going across the nail. In some cases, the entire nail may turn white and look thick or cloudy. The way the white spots or lines appear can help you and your doctor figure out the underlying cause.

For example, when you see small white spots on your nail, this can happen after you bump your toe. A fungal infection to the nail can make it look chalky, feel powdery, and be brittle. You should pay attention to where the nail discoloration is. If it is on the nail bed under the nail or on the nail itself, that can help you know more about what is causing the white spots.

Sometimes, the feel of the nail changes, too. It can get rough, feel soft, or break apart. When you spot these changes, it can help you and your doctor know what is happening. Often, these signs are just about how it looks. But now and then, they may show there is a more serious health issue.

Types of White Toenails: Spots, Patches, and Chalky Texture

White nails do not always look the same. The change in color shows up in different ways. This helps skin doctors figure out what might be going on. Knowing these forms can help you see what could be causing a change to the nail plate.

Most times, these show up as partial and do not go over the entire nail. You can put these into a few groups.

• Punctate leukonychia: These are the small white spots that you might see on your nails. A lot of people have them. They come from small injuries to the nail.

• Striate leukonychia: With this kind, you get white lines going across the nail, either from side to side or up and down.

• Total leukonychia: This is rare. In this type, you see the entire nail turning milky white. It can look almost like porcelain.

Another kind, pseudoleukonychia, happens because of things outside the body. A nail fungus can be one cause. This makes white chalky patches show up on the nail's top layer. These patches feel soft. You can scrape them off.

Common Causes of White Toenails

There are several reasons why white spots and white toenails might show up. The two main causes are injuries and nail fungus. More than 90% of the cases happen because of one of these. A small injury or something that keeps putting stress on the nail is a common reason for the white spots to be there.

White nails are sometimes caused by skin problems like psoriasis. They can also be from harsh chemicals in nail polish or nail polish remover. Sometimes, there may be an underlying health issue. A vitamin shortage can cause it, too, but that is not common. Very rarely, white nails can show a problem with your liver or kidneys. Knowing these common causes can help you decide what to do next.

Fungal Infections and White Toenails

A nail fungus is a common reason people see their toenails turn white. A certain kind of nail fungus is called white superficial onychomycosis. It makes the top layers of the nail plate look white. This fungus can make the nail feel soft, dry, and powdery.

Fungi like places that are dark and wet. You may get nail fungus from sweaty shoes or from walking on the floors in public showers and locker rooms.

When a fungal infection starts, you may see some small white spots. With time, it can spread. The nail can get thick. It may feel rough, and its color can turn yellow or brown. Getting an effective treatment early is important. The right treatment can help stop the fungal infection before it harms the entire nail or spreads to other people (American Academy of Dermatology, n.d.-a).

Figuring out if it is a fungal infection or something else can be hard. The tips below may help you tell the difference.

Dehydration, Trauma, and Keratin Granules

Trauma is one of the biggest reasons people get white marks on toenails. It does not have to be a huge injury. A lot of small bumps can cause it too. This thing happens most in athletes, runners, and hikers. Their toes often hit the front or side of the shoe when they walk or run. That often hurts the nail bed and the part under it. This is what can give you white spots as the nail starts to grow out.

Another issue you may see is when keratin granules form. These look like chalky white spots on the nail surface. They happen when there is excessive dehydration of the keratin molecules in the nail. This often comes from using and removing a lot of nail polish. The harsh chemicals in the nail polish take away the nail’s natural oils. This can make these dry patches show up on your nails.

Common sources of nail trauma include:

• Wearing shoes that are too tight or too short.

• Intense exercise like running or high-intensity training.

• Accidentally stubbing or dropping something on your toe.

Medical Conditions Linked to White Toenails (Leukonychia, Deficiencies)

White toenails, also called leukonychia, are not seen as often. Still, they can show signs about your health. Some health problems can change the way nails grow or affect the nail bed. This might turn toenails a lighter color. A few sicknesses can change blood flow under your nail, and this can also make nails look more white.

Conditions like liver disease, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure can all cause white nails. Terry's nails, which are mostly white with a dark band at the end, are often linked to liver disease like cirrhosis. Lindsay's nails, which look half white and half normal, show up often in people who have kidney disease. (Mount Sinai Health Library, 2023)

Nutritional deficiencies can cause problems with your nails. Not getting enough minerals like zinc or iron can lead to white spots or bands in the nails. If you see white nails and have other symptoms that you can't explain, it is a good idea to visit your doctor.

Are White Toenails a Sign of a Bigger Health Problem?

For many people, white toenails do not mean there is a serious health problem. Most of the time, they are harmless and can come from simple injuries or a fungus that is easy to treat. But sometimes, white toenails can show that there may be an underlying health issue.

If you see that the whiteness shows up in the same way on most or all of your fingernails and toenails, it can be connected to a problem in the whole body. This pattern means you should get a medical evaluation to check your liver, kidneys, or immune system. Knowing when to be worried is important for your nails and your health.

When to Worry About White Toenail Changes

It is normal to feel a bit worried when you notice a change in your body. But not all white toenails mean you need to see a doctor. If there is only one spot on the nail plate and you remember hurting your toe, it is often not a big issue. This spot will usually grow out after some time.

Still, there are some signs that show you need to see a doctor. If the discoloration spreads, lasts a long time, or gets worse, it is a good idea to have it looked at. A doctor can help find the underlying cause and tell you what to do next.

Pay attention to these warning signs:

• The white color change can show up on most or all toenails. It can be on your fingernails too.

• The white parts often look the same on both sides of your nails.

• The nail might feel sore, lift away from the skin, or get worse with signs of a bad infection.

Differentiating Between Benign Issues and Serious Conditions

It can be hard to know if your white toenails are from bumping your toe or something that needs more care. Most of the time, if you get white spots after hitting your nail or after going to a nail salon, you can see the problem on just one nail or maybe a few. These spots should go away in time as your nails grow out.

White nails that come from health conditions often show up on many nails at once and look the same on both hands. You may see white bands at the same spot on every nail. The white color is sometimes below the surface of your nail, not just on top.

If you feel tired, see swelling, or notice your skin changing, there is a good chance that the nail changes come from a problem in the body. The best thing to do if you are not sure is to talk to a dermatologist. This can help you get the right diagnosis and rule out any serious underlying cause.

At-Home Treatment and Prevention Strategies

The good thing is that you can stop and take care of most cases of white toenails at home. A big part of this is looking after your nails the right way. You should keep the nail plate clean and trimmed. Make sure to also keep it soft and moist to help the nail plate stay healthy.

Avoiding things that can hurt your nails or dry them out is important to keep them healthy. You should watch what kind of shoes you wear and stay away from harsh products, such as nail polish remover that has acetone. Here are some simple habits and changes you can make in your daily life to help keep your nails in good shape.

Daily Nail Care for Healthy Toenails

Having a regular nail care routine helps your toenails be healthy and look good. Good daily habits do a lot to keep away problems, like white spots or fungal infections. Make sure your feet are clean and dry, mainly after you work out or swim.

Moisturizing is an important step that many people forget. You need to put a moisturizing cream on the skin near your nail and on the cuticle. This helps keep the whole area, including the nail plate, soft and healthy. When you do this, it stops the nail plate from getting dry or breaking easily, so it won’t get damaged as much.

Here are some tips that may help with your day-to-day routine:

• You should cut your toenails straight across. Use clean nail clippers. This helps stop ingrown nails and can make pressure feel less.

• Try not to use nail polish or other harsh chemicals too often. Let your nails rest from polish now and then.

• Be careful when you go to a nail salon. You need to check that all tools have been cleaned well. This keeps fungus from spreading.

How NatraCure Products Can Help Restore Toenail Health (product tie-in with recommended SKU)

If you are looking to find out what is causing problems like toenail fungus, it is important to keep your feet in a healthy place for them to heal. Good care can help your doctor’s treatment work better and help your nails grow healthy in the long run. Making sure the skin and cuticles around your toenail stay soft and moist is a big part of this care. Keep in mind that white spots on toenails do not always mean you have an infection; they can result from minor injuries, pressure from footwear, or even nail polish use. However, if you notice persistent changes, it's wise to seek advice from a healthcare professional.

While our products are not medical treatments for infection, optimal foot moisture is critical for nail resilience and preventing brittleness caused by trauma or harsh chemicals. NatraCure's therapy products can help create a moisturizing environment that supports the health of the nail and surrounding skin, making it an excellent adjunctive care option.

NatraCure has therapy products that help with foot health. When you use these, you make a space with more moisture. This helps with dry nails and makes them less brittle. These problems can happen because of nail injury or putting chemicals on your nails. Using these products helps your nails get back to their normal strength.

Consider using products that help keep your feet soft and help with keeping in moisture.

• NatraCure's Intense Hydrating Gel Socks (SKU #510-M) can help keep skin and cuticles soft around the nails. This helps them look better when they get better from dryness or damage.

• These therapy products can work well with professional treatments. They help make a better base for your nails to grow.

Lifestyle Adjustments to Prevent White or Chalky Nails

Besides what you do every day to take care of your nails, there be some things you can change in your life that help stop white or chalky toenails. The shoes you wear, what you eat, and your personal habits all have a part in keeping your nail plate healthy.

One thing that can help is to wear shoes that fit well. Shoes that are too tight can press on your toenails all the time. This can cause white spots from trauma. Make sure your shoes have space in the toe box. Your toes should be able to move, especially if you wear athletic shoes.

Here are a few more lifestyle tips for prevention:

• Eat a good mix of foods with the right vitamins and minerals. This helps you avoid nutritional deficiencies that are often linked to white nails.

• Always wear sandals or flip-flops when you are in public locker rooms or showers. This protects your feet from getting fungus.

• Limit your use of nail polish and removers. Using these too much can make your nails dry and cause chalky patches.

Professional Treatment Options for White Toenails

If caring for your white toenails at home does not help, or if you think you have a fungal infection or another problem, you should see a doctor. A doctor can find out for sure what is wrong and give you stronger treatment options.

For stubborn nail fungus, prescription medication usually works best, according to Harvard Health Publishing (2023). This treatment may include an oral antifungal medication or a special cream for your nails. A good medical evaluation is needed first. This helps you get the right and most effective therapy for the main cause of the nail fungus.

Diagnosing the Root Cause with Your Doctor

Getting the right diagnosis is key to treating white toenails the right way. When you see a dermatologist, they will begin with a full medical evaluation. This means they will look at your nails and ask you about your symptoms. They will also talk with you about your lifestyle.

To find out what is causing the problem, your doctor might do a test. If there is a fungal infection, they may clip a small part of your nail. That piece will go under a microscope. This helps your doctor know which fungus is there. It also shows if it could be something else, such as psoriasis.

If your doctor thinks you might have a disease that affects your whole body, he or she may ask you to get a blood test. The test can look for lack of nutrition, check how your liver and kidneys are working, and see if there are other things that might show why your nail plate looks different. This helps make sure that your treatment focuses on fixing the real reason for your nail changes.

Medical and Prescription-Based Solutions

Once your doctor finds out the reason for your white toenails, they will suggest what to do next. If you have white toenails because of a fungal infection, they may give you medicine from the pharmacy. Prescription medications are usually the most effective treatment for this kind of problem.

These treatments help to kill the fungus. A new and healthy nail will then grow in. The slow nature of toenail growth means you will need to wait, sometimes six to nine months or longer, to see all the results. It is important to take all the medicine the doctor gives you. Finish the whole course. This helps make sure the infection does not come back.

Common prescription solutions include:

• Oral antifungal medication: Pills such as terbinafine or itraconazole are taken by mouth. These work well to treat nail fungus that is spread over a large area.

• Topical treatments: A doctor might give you a special nail polish or cream that you put right on the nail. Sometimes you use it with oral antifungal medication.

Is It Time to See a Specialist? Recognizing Warning Signs

Many times, white toenails go away on their own. But it is good to know when you should talk to a specialist, such as a dermatologist. If you have tried home treatments and they have not worked, or if you see the problem getting worse and spreading, it is a good idea to set up an appointment.

A main reason you should see the specialist is when you think the problem is more than a small injury. If the nail shows discoloration that will not fade, feels thick, or starts to break apart, it could be nail fungus. This kind of fungus often needs special medicine that only the doctor can give. A specialist knows how to find out what it is and will help you get started with the right care.

Most importantly, if you see white shapes that are the same on more than one nail or if you notice that the white part goes away when you press your nail, it is a good idea to see a doctor. These signs can be signs of an underlying health issue that you need to take care of.

Safety Panel: Using Therapy Products for White Toenails

When you use any at-home therapy products for your toenails, put safety first. It does not matter if you use a moisturizing sock or a cream on your nails. You need to use each product the right way. This helps stop irritation and keeps you from making problems worse for your nail plate or the skin nearby.

Always read and follow what the manufacturer says. The American Academy of Dermatology wants you to be gentle with your nails. This is also important when you try things at home. When you know the right way to use products, you get the good results. People who are at risk can feel safe and not worry about problems.

Maximum Session Times and Protective Measures

To get good results from home therapy products and to use them the right way, make sure to follow the suggested session times. Using any product more than it says, even if it looks safe, can cause skin problems or other troubles.

Always read the product packaging to know how long the item should be used. Some things, like moisturizing gel socks or creams, say how long to keep them on. Do not use them longer than what it says. Going over the limit does not make it work faster. It might not be good for you and could cause problems.

Follow these steps to keep therapy at home safe:

• Do not go over the session time listed on the product label.

• If your skin is sensitive, try a patch test on a small spot first.

• If you feel any redness, itching, or irritation, stop using it and talk to a doctor.

Guidance for At-Risk Groups

Some people need to be careful about any problem with their feet, like white toenails. If you are in one of these groups, you should talk to a doctor before you try any new home treatment.

People who have diabetes, poor blood flow, or weak immune system can get more problems, according to the American Diabetes Association (2023). A small issue with your foot can turn into something big fast because blood does not move well and you may heal slow. Your doctor can tell you what therapy products will be safe for you to use.

Key considerations for at-risk groups:

• Diabetics need to look at their feet every day and check for any changes. They should talk with a podiatrist or a doctor before they try something new for their feet.

• People who have problems with blood flow have to be careful. Their skin can be weak and heal slowly if there is any irritation.

When to Seek Medical Advice Before Home Therapy

Before you try any home remedies for your white toenails, you should think about seeing a doctor first. While home treatments can help with things like dryness, they are not a good way to find out the real underlying cause of your problem.

If you feel pain in your toenail, see swelling, notice any bleeding, or find it lifting from the nail bed, don’t try to treat it at home. These be signs that you need a medical evaluation right away. If you try to fix it yourself, it could slow down the right care and make things worse.

The best and safest way is to talk to a doctor. A doctor will be able to tell you what is making your skin look white. A doctor will help you know if you need prescription medication, a special home therapy, or if you just need to wait for some time.

Conclusion

To sum up, knowing what causes white toenails and how to treat them is important to keep your feet in good shape. White toenails can come from fungal infections, not getting enough water, or other health problems. It helps to care for your nails often so you do not face more trouble later. If you wash and trim your nails often and use products like NatraCure’s medical solutions, you can help your toenails get better. If you see changes in your toenails or feel unsure about something, it is best to talk to a doctor. When you know what to do and follow those steps, your toenails can stay healthy and bright. You can also check out our NatraCure products for more ways to keep your toenails looking and feeling good!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do white spots on toenails always mean an infection?

No, white spots on toenails do not always mean you have an infection. A common cause of this is small injury to the nail plate. This can happen if you bump or stub your toe. Most of the time, these white spots are not a problem. They will just grow out with your nail after some time.

How can I tell if my white toenails are from fungus or dehydration?

Fungal infections on the nail surface often make it feel chalky and rough. It can also look powdery and break easily. Sometimes, the nail turns yellow or brown. But white spots are usually due to injury or lack of moisture. These spots show up as plain white marks inside the nail. They do not change the feel or look of the nail surface as much. If you look at the nail bed, it mostly looks normal.

Are keratin granules responsible for chalky white toenails?

Yes, keratin granules may be the reason why you see chalky white spots on your toenails. These areas show the nail plate is dry. This often happens if you use nail polish and strong removers a lot. The white patches are just dried-out cells on top of the nail.

What are the common causes of white toenails?

The two most common causes of white toenails are fungal infections and trauma to the nail plate. There are other causes of white toenails as well. These may be allergic reactions from nail products. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to this, too. Some health conditions like liver or kidney disease may also cause white toenails, but these are rare.

How can I tell if my white toenails are caused by fungus or dehydration?

A fungal infection can make the nail surface feel soft and break easily. It may start to look powdery and crumbly. But, there are white spots that can happen from dehydration or if the nail matrix gets hurt. These white spots or lines show up inside the nail plate. Still, the nail plate stays smooth and hard.

What treatment options are available for white toenails?

Treatment will depend on what causes the problem. If you have a fungal infection, the doctor may give you oral antifungal medication. Sometimes, you may need to use something on your skin, like a cream. If the spots are from trauma, you may not need any treatment. The spots will often grow out on their own. A medical evaluation is the best way to know what you need and how to move forward.

Are white patches on toenails a sign of a health problem?

White spots on your toenails are often not something serious. But if you see these spots on most of your nails and they look the same, it might mean there is a health problem. These patches could be linked to liver disease, kidney disease, or not getting enough nutrients.

What is leukonychia and how is it related to white toenails?

Leukonychia is when you have white spots or white color on your nails. This white change can show up on both fingernails and toenails. The nail plate may turn white, and there can be a few different reasons for it. It might happen if you hurt the nail matrix, if you do not have enough minerals in your body, or if you have a health problem that affects your whole body.

Can nail fungus cause my toenails to turn white?

Yes, there is a kind of nail fungus known as white superficial onychomycosis. This nail fungus makes the nail plate turn white. The fungal infection goes after the surface of the nail. Over time, the nail starts to look chalky, feel soft, and seem powdery.

How can I prevent my toenails from becoming white or chalky?

Prevention means taking care of your nails the right way. Use clean nail clippers every time you trim your nails. Wear shoes that fit your feet well. Keep your cuticles soft by using some lotion. Try not to use nail polish remover that is strong or harsh. When you go to public showers, wear something on your feet for protection. Doing these things will help keep your nail plate healthy. This will also help stop color changes or damage to your nails that you do not want.

Do white spots on toenails always mean I have an infection?

No, white spots do not always mean you have an infection. Sometimes, the nail matrix gets a minor hit. This small trauma is a common cause of the white spots. The spots just mark a place where your nail growth was stopped for a bit. They are not bad for you. The spots will go away when your nail grows out.

When should I see a doctor about white toenails?

You should go see a doctor if your white toenails stick around, keep spreading, or show up on several nails in the same way. Watch out for other signs like pain, swelling, or the nail coming up from the nail bed. If you notice these, you need a medical evaluation.

Why are white toenails a red flag?

White toenails may be something to watch out for, especially when the color change happens across most or all of your nails in the same way. This is the kind of change that does not usually come from an injury. It may mean there is an underlying health issue, so it’s a good idea to see a doctor who can help find and treat what is going on.

What causes toenails to go white?

The nail plate can turn white for a few common reasons. A fungal infection on the nail plate or damage from an injury can cause this to happen. Wearing shoes that do not fit well can also be one of the common causes. Less often, allergies, not getting the right nutrients, or some health conditions can make toenails go white too.

Reference List

American Academy of Dermatology has shared details on nail fungus and how doctors check and treat it. The page shows what signs to look out for, how tests are done, and what steps you can take to feel better. They talk about some ways to help fight nail fungus, and give helpful tips. You can read more on their site at https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/nail-fungus-treatment.

American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.-b). 12 nail changes a dermatologist should examine. Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/nail-changes-dermatologist-should-examine

American Academy of Family Physicians. (2021). Onychomycosis: Rapid evidence review. American Family Physician, 104(4), 359–366. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/1000/p359.html

American Diabetes Association. (2023). Foot care for people with diabetes. Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/foot-care

Cleveland Clinic. (2023). White spots on nails (leukonychia). Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/25243-white-spots-on-nails

DermNet NZ. (2023). White nail (leukonychia). Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://dermnetnz.org/topics/white-nail

Haneef, R., Khachemoune, A., & Naqvi, A. (2022) talk about white nails in their work "Leukonychia: What can white nails tell us?" They look at this in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 23(1), pages 89–97. You can read more of what they say in this article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8809498/

Harvard Health Publishing. (2023). Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) – A to Z. Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/toenail-fungus-onychomycosis-a-to-z

JAMA Dermatology. (2004). White superficial onychomycosis: Epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects. JAMA Dermatology, 140(9), 1203–1205. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/480625

Medical News Today. (2022). White spots on nails: Causes, prevention, and treatment. Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317493

Medscape. (2023). Onychomycosis treatment guidelines. Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1105828-guidelines

Mount Sinai Health Library. (2023). Nail abnormalities – Leukonychia. Retrieved October 22, 2025, from https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/nail-abnormalities