Koilonychia

Koilonychia is a nail disorder that affects the color, shape, texture, and thickness of your fingernails or toenails and often associated with iron-deficiency with or without anemia. Know more about it-causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment in the following article.

Koilonychia literally means ‘spoon nails.’ It refers to nails that become flat, lose their convex contour and replaced by a central concave contour with raised edges, and lose their natural color. The nail usually becomes thin and brittle.

Causes of Koilonychia

• It is often associated with iron-deficiency with or without anemia.
• It can be linked to other causes such as thyroid dysfunction, renal disease, impaired peripheral circulation, systemic lupus erythematosus, Hypoplastic Patella musculoskeletal conditions, hemochromatosis, Raynaud's Disease, nail-patella syndrome and Hypoplastic Patella.
• It may result from trauma.
• Malnutrition
• Injury of nail plate
• Constant occupational exposure of hand nails to petroleum, diesel and other petroleum based products and solvents
• Excessive use of oils and soaps

Symptoms of Koilonychia

• Thin and brittle nails
• Concavity of nails
• Detached nails
• Nails that come off completely
• The appearance of ridges developing along the nails
• The color of the nail changes slowly to light yellow color

Prevention of Koilonychia
If you observe Koilonychia, immediately take the following preventive measures and you can easily avoid it, before it becomes serious.

• Avoid using your nails as tools to pick, poke or pry things.
• Wear gloves while washing dishes and handling detergents and chemicals.
• Avoid biting your nails.
• Avoid wearing shoes that are tight around the toes.
• Avoid exposure to nail polish and moisture for a long time.

Treatment and Natural Home Remedies for Koilonychia

Koilonychia should be treated as soon as it is recognized.

• The first step of treating koilonychia includes consulting a specialist and following the treatments and suggestions accordingly.
• Since it is associated with iron deficiency, take iron based foods and essential vitamins. However be sure to take the required iron and avoid mixing it with beverages such as tea or coffee as they inhibit iron absorption.
• Using an emollient intended especially for the nails right after a shower or washing hands will keep the nails nourished and Koilonychia at bay.