3. White Spots or Specks (Leukonychia)
Myth: Caused by lack of calcium (not true!)
Real causes:
Minor trauma (bumping your nail)
Zinc deficiency
Allergic reactions to nail products
✅ These usually grow out on their own — but recurring spots may need a nutrient check.
4. Yellow or Thickened Nails
Common causes:
Fungal infection (most common)
Smoking (nicotine stains)
Psoriasis or thyroid disease
In rare cases, lung disease or diabetes
🚩 If nails thicken and yellow without trauma, see a doctor — don’t just cover it with polish.
5. Spoon-Shaped Nails (Koilonychia)
Nails curve upward like a spoon — can even hold a drop of water
Strongly linked to:
Iron deficiency anemia
Hemochromatosis (iron overload)
Heart or liver disease
🩺 This is a classic clinical sign — worth getting blood work done.
6. Ridges Across the Nail (Beau’s Lines)
Deep horizontal grooves across the nail
Appear when nail growth pauses due to:
Severe illness (like pneumonia or high fever)
Chemotherapy
Diabetes flare-up
Major stress or surgery
📅 The line’s location can help estimate when the stress occurred (nails grow ~3mm/month).
