A condition characterized by white spots, patches, or streaks between the nail and nail bed. It is due to tiny
bubbles of subungual air trapped in the plate layers after trauma. Leukonychia (white nail in Greek) may
involve the entire nail (total), or present instead as lines (striate) or dots (punctate). Total leukonychia is a
congenital dominant disorder, whereas striate or punctate forms are instead traumatic. The latter resolve
with time, since spots eventually grow out with the nail plate
bubbles of subungual air trapped in the plate layers after trauma. Leukonychia (white nail in Greek) may
involve the entire nail (total), or present instead as lines (striate) or dots (punctate). Total leukonychia is a
congenital dominant disorder, whereas striate or punctate forms are instead traumatic. The latter resolve
with time, since spots eventually grow out with the nail plate