What condition is characterized by a nail with a white spot?

The condition characterized by a nail with a white spot is indeed leukonychia. This term refers to the whitish discoloration of the nails that occurs due to various reasons such as trauma to the nail matrix, which can result in white spots appearing on one or several nails. These spots are generally harmless and can grow out as the nail continues to grow.

In contrast to leukonychia, onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the nails, leading to changes in color and texture, often resulting in thickening or separation of the nail from the nail bed. Achrodermatitis is a rare genetic skin condition that often involves the skin rather than the nails, and melanonychia refers to brown or black discoloration of the nails, typically caused by melanocytic activity or pigmentation changes, which is not linked to white spots at all. Understanding these differences provides a clearer picture of how leukonychia specifically relates to the presence of white spots on the nails.