What are the characteristics of nails affected by leukonychia?

• A. Thin and flexible
• B. Whitish discoloration or spots
• C. Curling at the tips
• D. Dark pigmentation

Answer: (B)

Nails affected by leukonychia are primarily characterized by whitish discoloration or spots. This condition occurs when there is a disruption in the keratinization process of the nail matrix. The spots can vary in size and may appear as a full white nail or small white dots or lines, depending on the underlying cause of the leukonychia.

Leukonychia is often related to trauma, systemic illness, or may occur as a genetic condition. Since the condition manifests in a change of color rather than texture or structural changes, the other characteristics listed do not accurately represent leukonychia. Thin and flexible nails, curling, or dark pigmentation do not relate to this particular nail condition. Thus, the whitish discoloration is the defining feature of nails impacted by leukonychia.