Spotted lunulae

Spotted lunulae
Synonyms	Punctate leukonychia
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	White spots on the nail
Complications	None
Onset	Any age
Duration	Varies
Types	N/A
Causes	Trauma, allergic reactions, fungal infection
Risks	None
Diagnosis	Physical examination
Differential diagnosis	Leukonychia, nail psoriasis, nail fungus
Prevention	Avoiding nail trauma
Treatment	None required, resolves with nail growth
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Excellent
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Spotted lunulae is a medical condition characterized by the presence of spots or patches on the lunulae of the nails. The lunulae are the crescent-shaped white areas at the base of the nails. Spotted lunulae can be a sign of systemic disease or a local nail disorder.

Causes

Spotted lunulae can be caused by a variety of conditions, including psoriasis, lichen planus, and alopecia areata. They can also be a sign of systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus erythematosus. In some cases, spotted lunulae may be a normal variant.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of spotted lunulae is usually made by a dermatologist based on the appearance of the nails. In some cases, a nail biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment of spotted lunulae depends on the underlying cause. If the spots are due to a systemic disease, treatment of the disease may improve the appearance of the nails. If the spots are due to a local nail disorder, treatment may include topical or systemic medications.

See also

• Nail anatomy
• Nail disease
• Nail disorders