Which condition is described by the presence of white spots on the nails?

The presence of white spots on the nails is referred to as leukonychia. This condition can occur due to various reasons, including trauma to the nail matrix, allergic reactions, or even systemic illnesses, though often it is considered to be benign and not indicative of a serious health issue. The white spots can appear in various forms, like small dots or larger patches, and they tend to grow out with the nail over time.

Understanding leukonychia helps in differentiating it from other nail conditions. For instance, onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails that typically results in discoloration and thickening, rather than just isolated white spots. Nail ridges indicate structural imperfections in the nail plate and do not specifically manifest as white spots. Paronychia, on the other hand, refers to an infection around the nail, often accompanied by redness and swelling, rather than the presence of white spots on the nails themselves.

Hence, the definition and characteristics of leukonychia align perfectly with the described symptoms in the question, making it the correct answer.