A tell-tale sign of many illnesses, Koilonychia spoon nails are a type of nail abnormality that is easily recognizable. Characterized by a thin, inside-out shape like a spoon, this can be caused by a wide range of triggers – but the most commonly seen is iron deficiency.
When iron levels are low in the body, it can lead to a condition known as koilonychia spoon nails. This happens because iron assists in the production of hemoglobin, which is critical for transporting oxygen throughout the bloodstream. When there isn’t an adequate amount of iron present, the nails begin to take on a “spooned” shape as opposed to their more commonly known flat shape.
The onset of Koilonychia spoon nails can be attributed to a variety of circumstances, such as Psoriasis, Raynaud’s Disease, and even Lupus. In the case of Psoriasis, abnormal nail formation could be a result of the skin condition itself. Regarding Raynaud’s Disease, it is thought that poor blood circulation to the fingers and toes may be a cause. As for Lupus, it has been suggested that damage to the nails caused by the condition is possibly responsible for creating this unusual shape.
Coping with koilonychia spoon nails generally hinges on identifying its cause. When iron deficiency is to blame, treatment will involve taking supplementary iron. If psoriasis has caused the condition, various topical medications or light therapy sessions may be recommended. Keeping the hands and feet warm is the primary strategy for treating koilonychia when Raynaud’s disease is the cause. Lastly, those struggling with lupus related koilonychia will receive medications that work to suppress their immune system.