What are the white spots on nails known as, often caused by injury to the matrix?

The white spots on nails, often resulting from injury to the nail matrix, are correctly identified as Leuconychia. This condition occurs when there is a disruption in the nail formation, typically due to trauma or chemical exposure, leading to air pockets beneath the surface of the nail, which appear as white spots. It’s important to understand that while Leuconychia is frequently linked to minor injuries, it does not typically indicate serious health issues.

Other terms, such as Onychorrhexis, refer to the splitting or brittleness of the nails, Melanonychia pertains to discoloration in the nail due to various factors like moles or other skin conditions, and Onychomycosis denotes a fungal infection of the nails. Thus, the specific nature of the white spots due to matrix injury aligns perfectly with the definition of Leuconychia.