What is leukonychia commonly known as?

Leukonychia is a term that refers specifically to the condition characterized by white spots or patches that appear on the nails. This condition can result from various factors, including minor trauma to the nail matrix, allergic reactions, or systemic health issues. The presence of these white spots can vary in appearance and may be isolated or numerous, but they are distinct in their feature of being white against the natural color of the nail.

Understanding leukonychia as white spots clarifies its visual presentation, differentiating it from other nail conditions. For instance, brittle nails refer to nails that break or split easily and do not relate to the discoloration of the nail. Similarly, darkening of the nails describes a completely different phenomenon where nails turn brown or black, often indicating a more serious condition. Curved nail formation, commonly known as spoon nails or clubbing, involves a change in the shape of the nail and is unrelated to the color changes described by leukonychia. Thus, recognizing leukonychia as the occurrence of white spots provides the correct identification of this particular nail condition.