Did you ever see a white mark on your fingernail and wonder what the frig that is? Well, they are called “milk spots.” The scientific name is “Leukonychia,” which is “derived from the Greek words leuko (“white”) and onux (“nail”).” I know this knowledge because I’m super good at Wikipedia.
But is it bad if I have leukonychia? Will I die? No. Well, probably not. Probably. But there’s a chance.
The milk spots are typically caused by trauma to the nail. Not major trauma like seeing your parents bone or slamming your finger in a car door. Just banging your fingernails onto the table can cause the marks to appear.
HOWEVER. Milk spots can also be caused from a zinc deficiency can be a culprit. They can also be a sign of malaria, Hodgkin’s disease, and sickle cell anemia, all of which can end your life. But Mental Floss notes that those cases are very rare. But still possible.
If your entire fingernail has turned white you want to consult your physician because that can be a sign of kidney failure, heart disease, or diabetes. More things that can kill you.
So that’s what those little white marks are on your fingernails. Hypochondriacs, enjoy consulting WebMD everytime you get a milk spot thinking that you are about to die.