Koilonychia
You must have noticed that when you visit a doctor, he/she often checks your palms and your nails. Have you ever wondered why? Well, it is because nails reflect a lot about a person’s health. Problems in the nails could be indication of something more serious happening in the body. There are many conditions in which the shape, color and texture of the nails change and some of these changes can represent serious and severe health condition. If you find drastic changes in your nails, do not ignore the same and visit a doctor immediately.
What is koilonychia?
Koilonychia is a condition of the nails in which the shape of the nails are hampered. Also known as spoon nails, in koilonychia the nails tend to curve inwards and presents a shape like a spoon. The nails become soft and thin and thus can become curved inwards. The hollowness in the center of the nail is so much that it can hold a drop of water as well. The outer edges of the nails turn up thus creating the hollow shape in the center.
In koilonychia, the nails have high chances of cracking and breaking as they become thin and soft. In many cases it has been seen that the outer part comes out of the nail bed. It has been seen that many kids are born with spoon nails, but the problem is gone on its own as the child grows up. There is nothing significant to be worried about. The problem is more common on fingernails. However, many people have reported the problem on their toenails as well.
Causes of Koilonychia
Medical experts have opined that koilonychia is a symptom of some other health condition. There are innumerable causes of this nail ailment. While some of the causes are common and known, some of them remain unknown. Spoon nails might affect just a single nail on the fingers, some of them or all of them depending on the extent of the problem. Mentioned below are some of the probable causes which might lead to koilonychia:
- Autoimmune conditions – There are many autoimmune conditions, which might arise the problem of koilonychia in people. It has been reported that people suffering from lupus erythematosus often have koilonychia. However, there are some other typical symptoms associated with the same as well. Some of the most common symptoms in this regard include that of fever, tiredness and swollen and inflamed joints.
There are some inflammatory skin conditions as well which might lead to the problem of koilonychia. These include the likes of lichen planus and psoriasis. Since these are skin conditions and spoon nails are too, there can be a close connection. The immune system is closely involved in both these skin ailments and the formation of rashes is a common thing. Seeing a doctor immediately is the recommendation in such cases.
- Deficiency in nutrition – One of the most common causes of koilonychia is none other than nutritional deficiency. Among the different kinds of deficiencies, iron deficiency is the most common cause that leads to koilonychia. Anemia caused from iron deficiency is the most common nutrition deficiency disease in the world. The problem of anemia is more common in women than in men. Women who are of child-bearing age and have given birth to children are most prone to anemia. Iron deficiency is not only attributed to lack of iron rich foods in the diet. There are many other health problems which might lead to the problem of iron deficiency in the body. Some of these factors include the following:
- Inadequate proportions of iron in the diet
- Overall malnutrition
- Inability of the body in absorbing adequate amount of iron from the taken diet
- Cancer
- Intestinal bleeding
- Celiac disease
Iron deficiency can also be caused due to inadequate intake of vitamin C, folate and protein. People who suffer from Plummer-Vinson syndrome, might lead to the problem of koilonychia. This is a condition in which the iron deficiency continues for a long period of time. Thus, it is very important that iron deficiency should be met with if one wants to keep the problem of koilonychia at bay.
- Genetic factors – It is quite strange but interesting to note that there are many genetic factors, which are responsible for causing koilonychia. Two of the most common genetic factors include nail patella syndrome and hemochromatosis (1) .
- Environmental exposures – Environmental exposure is the cause of many health issues and koilonychia is one of them. This nail ailment has been closely linked to products which contain petroleum in some percentage or the other. There are many professions in which one has to come across and handle products which contain petroleum. One of the best examples in this regard is that of hairstylists. They have to deal with products, which contain a fair amount of petroleum-related components (2). Thus, they run at high risks of suffering from koilonychia.
It has also been deciphered in various researches and studies that people who live in high altitudes have higher risks of koilonychia. This is because the air at such altitudes have less percentage of oxygen when compared to the air at lower or normal levels. When there is reduced oxygen supply, the body tends to produce extra red blood cells. This process leads to the depletion of the body’s supply of iron. It was seen and established in a research study that almost half the population of people residing in higher altitudes suffered from the problem of koilonychia. Also, middle aged people, both men and women, were seen to be suffering from the problem. Apart from this, the traditional diet of the people living in the higher elevation regions is quite low on the iron content and hence the increased problem and risk of koilonychia.
- Other Conditions – Apart from the above mentioned causes, there are some more conditions, which might lead to koilonychia. Some of these include:
- Any kind of nail trauma
- Heart ailment
- Raynaud’s disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Disorders involving bones and muscles
- Fungal nail infections
Symptoms of Koilonychia
It is very difficult to identify the problem of koilonychia at the very beginning. One of the first signs of the issue is having flat nails. It is after this stage that the spoon shaped nail comes into vision. No pain or inflammation is associated with this nail problem. However, do not ignore koilonychia as it might sign towards some other health issues.
Treatment of Koilonychia
Both treatment and prevention of koilonychia is possible; one just has to be conscious of the impending danger that the health condition might be bringing. When you go to the doctor, he will examine the finger thoroughly. This will help him in understanding the reason behind the nail ailment. With this, the doctor will be able to suggest a suitable treatment plan for you.
As previously discussed, anemia is one of the most common causes for koilonychia. Thus, the doctor will recommend a diet which is rich in iron. He might also prescribe some iron and folate supplements for you. Follow the instructions and doses for taking the supplements so that the body is able to absorb the amount of iron in the right amount.
Some dietary changes might also be needed so that you can obtain more iron from the foods that you intake. It has been seen that in many people, the body is not able to absorb vitamin B-12 from the foods that are eaten. In such cases, the doctor might recommend taking vitamin B-12 shots at periodic intervals.
Some food items, which are rich in iron content and can be included in the diet easily include:
- Dark green and leafy vegetables
- Red meat
- Poultry
- Peas
- Pork
- Seafood
- Dry fruits like apricots and raisins
- Beans
It is the body’s natural capacity of absorbing more iron content from meat than from other food materials. If you are a person who does not eat meat, you will have to increase the intake of vegetables and other iron-rich food sources to compensate for the difference. You can also try and consume foods which are rich source of vitamin C. This helps in proper absorption of iron from the foods and the body can utilize the same well.
Keep your spoon nails short and do not bite your nails. Try keeping the nails well lubricated with application of oil or any kind of skin softener.