The Doc Replies

Our expert answers your medical questions

What can cause white spots and lines on your nails?

There could be several reasons but most common would be trauma, often caused by biting fingernails, manicures or, in the case of toenails, wearing too small shoes. Those spots will eventually grow out with the nail and you can prevent them appearing again by keeping nails short, moisturised and protected from irritant substances. A whole fingernail can take six to nine months to regrow and a toenail can be 12 to 18 months.

Many diseases and conditions can cause white nails or white marks on the nails, including iron deficiency anaemia, kidney disease, liver disease, gut conditions leading to loss of protein, skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema, a lack of zinc, or overactive thyroid. Many of these conditions can cause white vertical or horizontal lines on the nail too. However, people with these conditions will generally have other symptoms, not just white spots or lines on their nails. Fungal nail infections can also cause white spots, which can be treated with anti-fungal treatments.

Why do I keep getting cramp in my foot while exercising?

This is probably more common in barefoot exercise but can also occur while wearing trainers as you’re using the muscles in your feet differently or more than usual. Check if your shoes are worn out and not providing enough support or if you need extra arch support or an orthotic. Usually cramp will go away by itself but stop, stretch and massage the foot when it comes on. If you’re prone to cramp, stretch your arches beforehand and drink plenty of water. See your GP is foot cramps continue.

Should I take supplements on a vegetarian or vegan diet?

On a vegetarian diet, you need to get enough protein and vitamin D, and also calcium on a vegan diet. A healthy diet of containing fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, seeds and nuts should provide most nutrients but vitamin D supplements are advisable in the winter months for everyone and a vegan diet will have no natural vitamin B12, so this will need to be supplemented.

The Doc Replies

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