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What Do White Marks On Nails Of A Toddler Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 20 Sep 2014

Question: Hi, My son is 3 yrs old. he is having some white marks on his nails on ring and middle finger. also there is some brown coloration in his ring finger. is this associated with some deficiency? please suggest. kindly see the attached photos of his hand.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Lines suggestvie of calcium deficiency

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr. XXXXXXX

I have just now seen the photographs of your kid's hands. These lines are suggestive of calcium and vitamin D deficiency. Hope you are of XXXXXXX race by your name and we Indians are more prone to vitamin D deficiency than Caucasians due to our darker skin complexion.

There are 2 options now -

1. You can get the vitamin D and calcium levels checked and then go ahead treating them.

2. Start the calcium and vitamin D in the required daily allowance range and see the response.

But in between these two options I prefer to go ahead with the 1st option and hence I suggest you consult with your pediatrician there and go ahead.

I wish your kid a speedy recovery. If you need any future medical consultation and suggestions, I will be glad to help. You can approach me at the following link. Please find the link below.
www.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-sumanth-amperayani/67696

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (1 hour later)

Dr XXXXXXX
Thanks for the reply. we will check with local pedestrian for further treatment. in between, does the brown color in the nail could be for the same reasons. Also can you suggest some rich sources of calcium and vitamin D in south XXXXXXX foods. He takes approximately 3 cups of milk every day. Is it a good source of calcium?

Regards,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Diet Rich in calcium & vitamin D

Detailed Answer:
Hi...
1. Yes, the discoloration could be because of same reason.
2. Rich sources of vitamin D is fish liver or cod liver oil. Apart from this the kid should be standing for at least 15 minutes between 10qm to 3 pm daily wearing only lower undergarments.
3. Milk is a rich source of calcium. Please continue. But remember excess milk intake can cause constipation.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar