NIC Nail Technician Written ExamScientific ConceptsEasy
A client asks about the 'white spots' on their fingernails, which appear as small, opaque, white discolorations. They are concerned it might be a fungal infection. What is the most common and generally harmless cause of these white spots?
- AOnychomycosis
- BPsoriasis
- CMelanonychia
- DLeukonychia
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Leukonychia
Leukonychia, or white spots, are common and usually harmless, resulting from minor trauma to the nail matrix during nail growth. They are not typically indicative of a fungal infection.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection, usually causing yellow, brown, or thickened nails, not typically small white spots.
- B. Psoriasis can affect nails, causing pitting, discoloration, and thickening, but not typically small white spots.
- C. Melanonychia is a brown or black discoloration of the nail, often appearing as a stripe, not white spots.
Leukonychia
White discoloration of the nail, commonly appearing as small spots or lines, usually harmless and caused by minor trauma to the nail matrix.
- Often due to minor injury to the nail matrix.
- Moves with nail growth.
- Generally benign and does not require treatment.
Memory trick: White is Light, no plight.