What is the reason for the white nails of children? What should I do if my child's nails turn white?

Normal nail color should be ruddy, shiny, and moderately hard and soft, but changes in nail color often indicate physical illness and needs. What is the reason for children's white nails? What should I do if my child's nails turn white?

Why do children's nails turn white?

Caused by anemia

Nails are located at the ends of the human body's limbs. They are like a mirror, reflecting the state of the body's peripheral circulation. If a child's nails are often white, it may mean that the blood in the body is not sufficient, which is a manifestation of anemia, cold blood, and poor blood circulation. Parents are advised to take their children to the hospital for a blood test to clarify so that timely conditioning can be carried out.

Malnutrition

Nails can reflect the nutritional status of the human body. If a child's nails turn white or have white spots, it may be caused by malnutrition and lack of vitamins and trace elements in the body. If the nails do not get sufficient nutritional supplements, the nails will turn white, the surface will be rough, uneven, and dull.

Fungal infection

Fungal nail infection is commonly known as onychomycosis. The early symptoms of onychomycosis are white nails, which often start from the root of the nail. Small white spots appear on the surface of the nail plate, which may gradually expand and the entire nail turns white. It may also cause the nail plate to soften and sink. This situation requires timely treatment to avoid infection.

Symptoms of physical illness

If a child's nails suddenly turn white, it is often an emergency such as blood loss, shock, or a chronic disease such as hookworm disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, and cor pulmonale. If the nails are as white as frosted glass, it is a characteristic of cirrhosis of the liver.