Leukonychia is best described as which of the following?

• A. Red bands along the nail.
• B. White spots on nails resulting from minor trauma.
• C. Thickening of the nail plate.
• D. Discoloration due to fungal infection.

Answer: (B)

Leukonychia is white spots or patches on the nails that show up after minor trauma to the nail matrix. When the nail is forming, small disturbances or air pockets create those white spots, and they typically grow out with the nail as it lengthens. This is why the description of white spots on the nails resulting from minor trauma is the best fit. The other descriptions point to different nail issues: red bands along the nail aren’t leukonychia, thickening refers to a thicker nail plate, and discoloration from fungal infection describes onychomycosis, which usually looks yellow or brown and often comes with thickening.