ABSTRACT

Background:

Leukonychia is the white discoloration of the nail plate. There are many subtypes of leukonychia. True leukonychia, which occurs due to pathology in the matrix; pseudoleukonychia, is caused by the changes of nail bed. True leukonychia is subdivided as total and partial leukonychia. Total leukonychia may be genetic or associated with systemic diseases. Partial leukonychia is usually caused by trauma. Partial leukonychia can be classified as punctate, transverse and longitudinal. Three different types of pseudoleukonychia can be distinguished; half and half nails, Terry’s nails and Muehrcke’s nails.