Koilonychia

Koilonychia, also known as spoon nails, is a nail disease often caused by anemia, especially anemia that stems from an iron deficiency. Symptoms Koilonychia has the nickname spoon nails because the number one sign of the disease is abnormal thinning of the nails that then leads to the nails losing their convexity and becoming either flat or concave in shape. The shape of the nail begins to resemble a spoon, so much so that the depression in the nail may be able to hold droplets of water or other liquids. Koilonychia can affect both fingernails and toenails, but it typically appears on the hands. Note: The nails of newborn babies often have the shape of koilonychias nails, but this is a normal infant nail shape that disappears as the baby ages. Causes The most common cause of koilonychias is an iron deficiency, but the condition can be congenital (meaning it is present from birth), or it can be caused by several different diseases and disorders. Some of the most common causes outside of iron deficiency and genetics include hypochromic anemia, iron-deficiency anemia, lupus, Koilonychia has also be associated with trauma as well as digestive problems, poor diet and the body’s inability to absorb proper nutrients from food. Symptoms Koilonychia shows itself in a variety of ways that differ from person to person. Common signs and symptoms of the nail deformity include: • Nails that are spoon shaped • Concave nails • Nails that are easily detached from the nail bed • Nail thinni...

A 58-year-old male who was vegetarian by diet, with no previous comorbidities, presented with easy fatigability, dyspnoea on exertion and palpitations of 5-months duration. On examination, he had conjunctival pallor and spooning of multiple nails ( Helicobacter pylori positive chronic active gastritis. Celiac disease serology was negative. Other biochemical, autoimmune and radiologic evaluations were unremarkable. ( A) Lateral view of nail highlighting koilonychia at baseline visit. ( B) Nails attained normal convex curvature after 4 months of oral iron replacement. Helicobacter pylori directed therapy for 2 weeks (Metronidazole–clarithromycin-omeprazole) with oral ferrous sulphate (65 mg elemental iron twice a day) was started. After 2 months, the spooning improved and the nails attained a flat shape (platynychia or petaloid nail) with an improvement of haemoglobin to 141 g/l. Oral iron therapy was continued. After 4 months of treatment, a normal convex morphology of the nails was seen ( Koilonychia (spoon-shaped nail) can be hereditary, acquired or idiopathic. Acquired causes are common which include inflammatory dermatoses like psoriasis or lichen planus, onychomycosis, secondary to anaemia and traumatic or occupational. 1 Koilonychia occurs in 5.4% of the patients with iron deficiency. It is thought to occur due to the upward deformation of lateral and distal portions of pliable iron deficient nail plates under mechanical pressure. 2 Nail matrix changes due to blood fl...

Nails can sometimes give clues about a person’s health. Changes in the color, shape, or texture of finger or toenails can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Koilonychia affects the shape of nails. The nails start to curve like a spoon. Possible causes include nutritional deficiencies and autoimmune conditions. In some cases, resolving the problems means the nails will start to grow normally again. Find out more here about what causes koilonychia and what to do about it. Share on Pinterest Changes to the nails may signify a health condition. Image credit: CHeitz, 2014. Iron deficiency is the most frequent cause of koilonychia. Iron deficiency The following health problems can lead to an iron deficiency: • too little iron in the diet • inability to absorb enough iron from food • • bleeding in the intestinal tract • • People who do not consume enough People with Plummer-Vinson syndrome may have koilonychia. This condition can affect those with long term iron deficiency. What are the other symptoms of iron deficiency? Autoimmune conditions Koilonychia can occur with: • • some inflammatory skin conditions, such as In psoriasis, a problem with the immune system can lead to nail and skin changes. Environmental exposures Scientists say there Some people, such as hairstylists, may frequently work with products that contain petroleum. This could increase their risk of koilonychia. People that live at high elevations may also have a higher risk of developing koilonychia. Th...

Medical condition Koilonychia Other names Spoon nails Koilonychia Koilonychia, also known as spoon nails, :782 is a :656 Koilonychia is associated with koilos, "hollow", ὄνυξ, onyx, "nail". Even though Koilonychia has been associated with iron deficiency in case reports, it is more likely seen as an occupational change in nails and may be idiopathic; ruling out iron deficiency anemia in these patients is the only work-up necessary in this condition. See also [ ] • • References [ ] • James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.). Saunders. • Freedberg, et al. (2003). Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. • Kumar, Robbins and Cotran: Pathologic Basis of Disease, 7th ed., 2005. Saunders. • Rich P. Stratman E, Corona R (eds.). UpToDate. Waltham MA . Retrieved April 27, 2020. External links [ ]

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3 of 7 Spoon nails Spoon nails (koilonychia) are soft nails that look scooped out. The depression usually is large enough to hold a drop of liquid. Often, spoon nails are a sign of iron deficiency anemia or a liver condition known as hemochromatosis, in which your body absorbs too much iron from the food you eat. Spoon nails can also be associated with heart disease and hypothyroidism. • Habif TP. Nail diseases. In: Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Saunders Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 19, 2017. • Rich P, et al. Overview of nail disorders. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 19, 2017.