White Fingernails in Children: Causes, Concerns & What to Do

Question
To whomever,
We have a 10 year old boy and his fingernail bed has turned white instead of pink - I noticed it in the last month, you can't tell where the nail ends and the bed begins.  They almost look as if he has painted them with white fingernail polish - but he hasn't.  Is this unusual?  Is it just a vitamin defeicency? Or should we be more concerned?

Have you got any suggestions?

Thanks and sorry to ask such a little question - but I can't find any information on this.

Thanks again.  

Answer
Hi Roxie and thanks for writing,

Obviously I can not diagnose anything over the internet, but I can hopefully share some information which may be helpful. Of course the wisest thing to do is have your son examined by his physician.

Signs and symptoms of blood loss anemia include rapid onset of pale, moist skin, fingernail beds and mucous membranes, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, gastrointestinal dysfunction, weakness, rapid heart beat, heart palpations, chest pain, increased respiratory rate, rapid onset of fever and evidence of blood loss either externally or internally.

Severe selenium deficiency can be accompanied by severe overall malnutrition, symptoms can include weakness or pain in the muscles, discoloration of the hair or skin, and whitening of the fingernail beds.

A fingernail or toenail infection that is caused by a fungus is called onychomycosis. Toenails are more likely to become infected than fingernails. This infection can make your nails thick and discolored. You may even have pain in your toes or fingertips. Anyone can get a fungal nail infection. These infections are more common in adults older than 60 years of age. They are especially common in people with diabetes or circulation problems. Children hardly ever get fungal nail infections.

I hope this helps,

Margot