Patient's question:
My daughter is 13 years old. Recently, she was found to have white spots on her fingernails. What could be the cause? Is it necessary to see a doctor?Doctor's answer:
Hello, if a child's fingernails develop white spots or scaly white patches, it could be a sign of ascariasis, zinc deficiency, gastrointestinal problems, anemia, malnutrition, or other issues.If it is ascariasis, the following symptoms may be present:
1. Blue spots on the sclera: Irregular, non-protruding blue or brown patches appear on the sclera of one or both eyes, ranging in size from a pinhole to a green bean. The number is consistent, and children are most noticeably affected.
2. White spots on the face: White circular patches appear on the face, varying in size from a green bean to a fingernail.
3. White spots on the nails: Irregular, striped or block-shaped white patches appear in the center of the nails.
4. Red spots on the tongue (Honghua): Red spots appear on the surface, tip, or side of the tongue, round and pinpoint in size.
5. Clinical manifestations: Based on symptoms such as malnutrition, weight loss, or occasional pain around the navel, a preliminary diagnosis can be made.