Cloudy spots in fingernails, what does this mean?

I remember seeing something a while ago in my grandmother's Mayo Clinic newsletter about different nail abnormalities and what they signified, regarding various diseases and whatnot. I have had white spots which look very much like clouds on my nails as far back as I can remember, but have no idea what causes this. They come and they go, I don't really pay much attention to them. Is it some sort of deficiency in diet, or minor impact point where the nail detatches? This was not listed in the newsletter, so I assume it is not a disease.

It's called "leukonychia". And, depending on where you look for a diagnosis, the cause could be just about anything! Most likely though is a trauma to the nail (hitting it or damaging it in some way) or a mild zinc or protein deficiency.

It is normal; usually a sign of injury to the matrix of the nailbed after bumping it on something.

nails can determine some diseases but you usually have the disease in progression before the nails reveal it.

It could mean that your fingernail is damaged from hitting it against something and it could mean that your body is lacking iron(you can buy some and any drug store).

Don't worry because since the cloudy spots on your nails come & go, I doubt its any crazy disease. But just to be safe I would get it checked out by a doctor.

Good luck!