Member Comments
Posted by: 
fifi73 (narre warren, Australia)
Hmmm...LLike everyone else I always assumed it was lack of Calcium, But Now I know it's not!! I will definitely be going out to buy a better quality Hand, Nail & Cuticle cream....
Posted on: October 31, 2007 (Oct 31, 2007 7:36am)
Posted by: 
Princess' mum (Lalor Park, Australia)
I had been told it ws a combination of calcium and zinc depletion that did it.
The nails must be VERY sensitive as I don't remember damaging the nail bed(s) yet am comstatntly fighting the issue. MAYBE, I just have to be even more careful (not type so hard on teh keyboard!!!)
Posted on: November 01, 2007 (Nov 1, 2007 11:13am)
Posted by: Redlox (Mt Waverley, Australia)
Trauma would mean any influence to the nails, like any sort of vibrations perhaps? Hmm, is that worth me moving from the computer? Nah!
Posted on: January 31, 2008 (Jan 31, 2008 2:19pm)
Posted by: Glitter Girl (Somerville, Australia)
When you injure your nail/finger most of the time you probably won't even notice you have - and if you injure it close to the cuticle (or matrix) you may not see the white flecks for a couple of weeks - by the time you'll have forgotten all about it. Very very rarely is it health related - if you have experienced white flecks on many or all of your nails for months or years - then you may have health problem that needs to be checked out - but it is very rare for your health to be the cause.
Posted on: February 21, 2008 (Feb 21, 2008 9:54am)
Posted by: GlossQueen (Scarborough, Australia)
Well that's news to me, I always thought it was lack of calcium. It makes much more sense that it'd be trauma to the nail.
Posted on: February 21, 2008 (Feb 21, 2008 10:35am)
Posted by: 
onigurl (Geraldton, Australia)
I never knew that - i guess it could be true because not all of my nails have white specks on them- only a few do! - its all making sense now! :)
Posted on: February 21, 2008 (Feb 21, 2008 12:48pm)
Posted by: Beauty Obsession (Keysborough, Australia)
I was told many myths like lack of calcium and too much salt in my diet. I then found out it was caused by nail trauma.
Posted on: February 21, 2008 (Feb 21, 2008 12:59pm)
Posted by: gogirly (Bridgeman Downs, Australia)
look after those nails girls, once they are damaged they never recover
Posted on: February 21, 2008 (Feb 21, 2008 1:40pm)
Posted by: melmeko (Innisfail, Australia)
I love calcium so I guess i won't have this problem!!!
Posted on: February 21, 2008 (Feb 21, 2008 3:04pm)
Posted by: 
pinklili (Homebush West, Australia)
wow i never knew...still im gonna keep having lots of calcium. not seen those specks for a long time so hopefully my nails are not getting hammered :)
Posted on: February 21, 2008 (Feb 21, 2008 3:29pm)
Posted by: hannah_almond (West Heidelberg, Australia)
i always thought it was because i dont eat enough zinc foods or something of the sort! damage eh, hmm. i don't mind if i get white specks on them, my nails aren't the most favourite part of my body.
Posted on: February 21, 2008 (Feb 21, 2008 5:12pm)
Posted by: Princess75 (Carseldine, Australia)
same, myth city. i'm please to know this now. hey did anyone notice there is a princess mum now. heheh lol :) welcome princess mum.
Posted on: February 21, 2008 (Feb 21, 2008 8:17pm)
Posted by: glamourcat (Aspendale Gardens, Australia)
Oh yep, knew this one - even though I grew up being fed the myth that it was calcium deficiency... although I do really notice if I'm not getting enough calcium as my nails start getting really weak very quickly - like, even though the length has been there and/or growing for about 6 months, if I lack calcium it's like a ripple effect and it starts affecting my nail strength from the base up...
Posted on: February 21, 2008 (Feb 21, 2008 8:48pm)
Posted by: sharna2 (ringwood, Australia)
thanks for this myth to be dispelled!
beauty mythbusters!
Posted on: February 22, 2008 (Feb 22, 2008 11:33am)
Posted by: 
Jess84 (Ermington, Australia)
I always get white spots on the same nail everytime. What am I doing to this poor nail!
Posted on: February 22, 2008 (Feb 22, 2008 12:04pm)
Posted by: cld1986 (Lindisfarne, Australia)
I knew that the calcium myth was false but I wasn't really sure what the flecks really were. Thanks for solving the mystery!
Posted on: February 22, 2008 (Feb 22, 2008 2:01pm)
Posted by: abrazosbesos (Hamilton, Australia)
hmm, looking at my nails i have these again. didnt know what caused it though. will just have to be more careful
Posted on: February 22, 2008 (Feb 22, 2008 3:39pm)
Posted by: sweetlove (altona meadows, Australia)
now i have finally find the answer! i always get these white spots on my finger nails but i never knew why. thanks beauty heaven mythbusters!
Posted on: February 22, 2008 (Feb 22, 2008 6:03pm)
Posted by: Bronze Baby (Marangaroo, Australia)
nice facttt
Posted on: February 22, 2008 (Feb 22, 2008 7:17pm)
Posted by: 
rhijayne (Bunbury, Australia)
we are like trees. he he he.
lol well i think im funny!
Posted on: February 22, 2008 (Feb 22, 2008 9:07pm)
Posted by: itseternity (Kenthurst, Australia)
Great to know!
Posted on: February 23, 2008 (Feb 23, 2008 4:50pm)
Posted by: rainbows (Cairnlea, Australia)
this is great!
Posted on: February 24, 2008 (Feb 24, 2008 12:27am)
Posted by: Lead and Feather (North Rocks, Australia)
eeek gogirly! What do you mean they never recover? I assumed because nails were growing all the time if you did have a lot of damage it would grow out? I almost always have white spots on my nails though.
Posted on: February 24, 2008 (Feb 24, 2008 8:25am)
Posted by: Glitter Girl (Somerville, Australia)
Lead and Feather - what gogirly wrote is not strictly true, if you damage a nail it will take roughly 8 months for the damage to grow out (the time it take a nail to grow from base to tip - depending on the rate of you personal nail growth) But if you REALLY do some damage - at the matrix of the nail (where the nail is formed) you can damage them for life - but that is rare and if it does happen it usually means you'll get a nail that grows irregularly.
Posted on: February 24, 2008 (Feb 24, 2008 4:09pm)
Posted by: 
SparklingStar (Fairy Meadow, Australia)
I'll have to make sure I look after my nails from now.
Posted on: February 24, 2008 (Feb 24, 2008 6:20pm)
Posted by: Eskimo Bec (Adelaide, Australia)
That reminds me I have to find a good nail and cuticle cream...
Posted on: February 25, 2008 (Feb 25, 2008 12:21am)
Posted by: fluttrgrl (Pyrmont, Australia)
Wow I had no idea! So what constitutes "trauma"?
Posted on: February 25, 2008 (Feb 25, 2008 3:09pm)
Posted by: Jacq (Essendon, Australia)
Eskimo Bec.. Use Lucas Paw Paw Ointment - For the Softest Hands EVER!!
Posted on: February 26, 2008 (Feb 26, 2008 11:36am)
Posted by: georgie89 (kensington, Australia)
i was told that myth from many people, family and even teachers at school, but recently i have just completed a beauty course and found out that it wasn't true about the lack of calcium.
Posted on: February 26, 2008 (Feb 26, 2008 2:36pm)
Posted by: Katrina1 (Burwood, Australia)
wow i didn't know that, that's pretty interesting, practically everyone i know thinks that
Posted on: March 02, 2008 (Mar 2, 2008 7:02pm)
Posted by: Cass666 (Elizabeth Grove, Australia)
Wow I was always told it was teh calcium deficiency too.
I'm glad now I know what it's really caused by, thanks.
Posted on: March 05, 2008 (Mar 5, 2008 1:40pm)
Posted by: adcarey (Bracken ridge, Australia)
I have found that since taking zinc tablets my nails are in tip top condition and no white flecks
Posted on: March 07, 2008 (Mar 7, 2008 4:53pm)
Posted by: Myzteeq (Prestons, Australia)
wow i never knew that one. and wow you do learn something new everyday especially on bh.
Posted on: March 08, 2008 (Mar 8, 2008 7:10pm)
Posted by: miss jess (Mulgrave, Australia)
i just finished a nutrition degree and we were told it was a combination of lack of calcium and zinc among other things. so nutrition and health are a large part of the effects on your nails too.
Posted on: March 11, 2008 (Mar 11, 2008 2:21pm)
Posted by: Spiteful (Croydon, Australia)
Thats interesting, ive hardly ever gotten white flecks but at least now i will know its not some horribe disease!
Posted on: March 11, 2008 (Mar 11, 2008 7:37pm)
Posted by: nikkieve (alexandra headland, Australia)
thats realy interesting. i have never had that problem but its good to know for future reference
Posted on: March 12, 2008 (Mar 12, 2008 11:37pm)
Posted by: Miss Em (North Ringwood, Australia)
everyone always said it was lack of calcium, but i was never sure. I havent had that problem yet though. i love milk haha lolk
Posted on: March 13, 2008 (Mar 13, 2008 7:04pm)
Posted by: vicki333333 (Lakemba, Australia)
this is good to knoow..i always get those flecks
Posted on: March 17, 2008 (Mar 17, 2008 6:16pm)
Posted by: bash2220 (pymble, Australia)
i cant believe ive been wrong all this time ive even told children i teach thats what they are i must now remember what the actaul cause is thanks beauty heaven
Posted on: March 19, 2008 (Mar 19, 2008 4:47pm)
Posted by: bumblebee75 (Narre Warren South, Australia)
Another myth busted. Interesting to know... thanks:)
Posted on: March 22, 2008 (Mar 22, 2008 3:30pm)
Posted by: lgauci (pascoe vale south, Australia)
Trauma to the nails I never knew this.But I will still eat more calcium.Thanks
Posted on: March 26, 2008 (Mar 26, 2008 9:10am)
Posted by: ad0rkable (Hampton Park, Australia)
I've always been told that it's a lack of calcium, but I'd get white spots after I take my acrylics off so it didn't make sense to me. It does now, thanks =D
Posted on: March 26, 2008 (Mar 26, 2008 2:53pm)
Posted by: Willow24 (Pasadena, Australia)
I thought it was calcium ... I'm glad to know its not :) i will be much kinder on my nails
Posted on: March 26, 2008 (Mar 26, 2008 7:40pm)
Posted by: godess of beauty (Malvern East, Australia)
i've been told that you can always tell abotu someones health by lookign at their nails. in this case the lack of calcium?
Posted on: March 28, 2008 (Mar 28, 2008 12:59am)
Posted by: Bronze Baby (Marangaroo, Australia)
true, but did you know too much dairy gives you pimples
Posted on: March 30, 2008 (Mar 30, 2008 4:28pm)
Posted by: glendaer (Albanvale, Australia)
Wow! i never knew that. i always thought it was calcium
Posted on: March 30, 2008 (Mar 30, 2008 7:58pm)
Posted by: chels00 (eltham, Australia)
i was told it was from tapping your nails like on a table but i dont do that and still have the white marks
Posted on: March 31, 2008 (Mar 31, 2008 5:06pm)
Posted by: Elsa (Carnegie, Australia)
learnt it, science
Posted on: April 07, 2008 (Apr 7, 2008 11:02pm)
Posted by: sepicer (para hills, Australia)
Definitly good to know....My young daughter has these and I always thought it was because she wasnt getting enough calcium.
Posted on: April 08, 2008 (Apr 8, 2008 3:59pm)
Posted by: monkozak (Wakeley, Australia)
Ohhh wow!!! i was just wondering today why i had them on my nails, and now that i read this i actually remember doing my nails 2 weeks ago and i was pretty rough so yeah its true!!! wow cool!!!
Posted on: April 09, 2008 (Apr 9, 2008 12:27am)
Posted by: kanashimiblue (Erskineville, Australia)
agree. When I was a teenager and playing rough sports, I had heaps of these flecks. Same idea applies for grooves in your nails as well. I get them whenever I go through a stressful or rough patch (like exam periods!).
Posted on: April 10, 2008 (Apr 10, 2008 10:20am)
Posted by: pandork (St. Albans, Australia)
My sister used to say I had them because I was unhealthy when I had them.
Posted on: April 15, 2008 (Apr 15, 2008 6:20pm)
Posted by: leesax (Caringbah, Australia)
I slammed my finger (at the end) in the door about a year ago and still have a white fleck on the nail where it was hit - so this is definetly proof haha.
Posted on: April 16, 2008 (Apr 16, 2008 4:32pm)
Posted by: Reiyel (Wolli Creek, Australia)
Hmm I don't have white flecks. -peers at nails- But I the crescent white thingy at the bottom of my nails are all gone! Now is -that- due to lack of calcium, I wonder..
Posted on: April 17, 2008 (Apr 17, 2008 7:37pm)
Posted by: shirall (stakehill, Australia)
interesting, its funny how these myths come about and how everyone takes them for the truth!
Posted on: April 18, 2008 (Apr 18, 2008 5:58pm)
Posted by: kellbell08 (Merredin, Australia)
Ive got far worse bod problems to attend to than flecks on my nails .... god if only! LOL
Posted on: April 20, 2008 (Apr 20, 2008 3:54pm)
Posted by: wilsondm (Mt Gambier, Australia)
Ahhhh! Something i must tell my mother!! LOL :)
Posted on: April 21, 2008 (Apr 21, 2008 4:50pm)
Posted by: sarahnh91 (cranbourne, Australia)
haha-kellbell08--if only....
Posted on: April 21, 2008 (Apr 21, 2008 6:21pm)
Posted by: nnetta (north haven, Australia)
ok nnow know the truth
Posted on: April 25, 2008 (Apr 25, 2008 12:19am)
Posted by: Miss Bec (North Ringwood, Australia)
I knew it wasnt calcium, but everyone else i know thinks it is...now i can prove them wrong haha
Posted on: April 25, 2008 (Apr 25, 2008 10:16pm)
Posted by: maryls (Mount Gambier, Australia)
Well there you go. My Mother always told me this. Next time I speak to her I'm going to tell her this is a myth
Posted on: April 29, 2008 (Apr 29, 2008 12:39pm)
Posted by: Tkm1981 (Annandale, Australia)
i always got told it was because i didn't drink enough milk!
Posted on: September 03, 2008 (Sep 3, 2008 8:21pm)
Posted by: CityLights (McKinnon, Australia)
I always thought it was lack of calcium, too!
Luckily, I've never got any of those white flecks, but my friends always get them, and it drives them mad! I'll have to tell them to take it easy on their nails when I see them next time.
Posted on: November 08, 2008 (Nov 8, 2008 8:10pm)
Posted by: Pink Diva MUA (Avoca Beach, Australia)
So bascially we have all been led on to believe a lie? NOOOOOOOOOO! Thanks for clearing it up B/H! xx
Posted on: November 19, 2008 (Nov 19, 2008 8:47am)
Posted by: elmorules (singleton, Australia)
I always thought it was from wearing nail polish all the time many on my toes so thank you bh .
Posted on: December 21, 2008 (Dec 21, 2008 4:37pm)
Posted by: emms24 (dysart, Australia)
ow myth buster :)
Posted on: January 09, 2009 (Jan 9, 2009 10:39am)
Posted by: Pusstiss (Aspendale, Australia)
I studied in Massage therapies and learned this condition is common and also known as White spots on fingernails are also known as leukonychia. It's attributed to a basic injury to the base of the matrix (your nail). The spots occur anywhere between 5 & 6 weeks.
It can also be contributed to an allergic reaction to nail polishes, hardener, remover and even acrylic nails.
BH beauty divas who have frequent mani's be sure the beautician takes her time as agressive treatment in the sense rushed and pressure using orangewood sticks on your cuticles increases the chances of white spots!.
To avoid white spots draw on your patience and take your time when you mani, this will lessen any damage during the process!
Hope this helps keep your talons in tip top shape and remember to apply a good Vit E oil after your mani!! If the spots bother you use a light shade polish!
Posted on: April 28, 2009 (Apr 28, 2009 3:44pm)
Posted by: Tishy (Blacktown, Australia)
I always thought it was a bit weird that i drank ALOT of milk and ate loads of cheese but still had this problem....well now i know!! thanx bh!!
Posted on: June 16, 2009 (Jun 16, 2009 12:48pm)
Comment on this article
Posted by:
fifi73 (narre warren, Australia)
Hmmm...LLike everyone else I always assumed it was lack of Calcium, But Now I know it's not!! I will definitely be going out to buy a better quality Hand, Nail & Cuticle cream....
Posted on: October 31, 2007 (Oct 31, 2007 7:36am)