Question

My daughter is 13 years old and recently discovered white spots on her fingernails. What could be the cause? Do I need to take her to a doctor?

Answer

Hello, if a child’s fingernails develop white dots or fluffy white spots, it may be due to parasitic infection, zinc deficiency, gastrointestinal diseases, anemia, malnutrition, or other factors. If it is a parasitic infection, symptoms may include: 1. Blue spots on the conjunctiva: Irregular, non-protruding blue or brown spots on the conjunctiva of one or both eyes, as small as needle holes or mung beans in size. This is most common in children. 2. White spots on the face: White circular spots appear on the face, with varying sizes, larger ones like fingernails and smaller ones like mung beans. 3. White spots on fingernails: There are irregular strip-shaped or patchy white spots in the central part of the nails. 4. Reddish spots on the tongue: Red spots can be seen on the tongue surface, tip, or sides, as small as needle holes in size. 5. A preliminary diagnosis can be made based on clinical manifestations such as malnutrition, weight loss, and occasional umbilical pain.