Koilonychia

Koilonychia is a dystrophy of the fingernails in which they are flattened and have concavities with raised edges also called spoon nails. Koilonychia means literally "spoon nails." It refers to nails (usually of the hand) which have lost their convexity, becoming flat or even concave in shape. The nail is usually thin and often brittle. Koilonychia is mostly happens as an outcome of softening and thinning of the nail plate. Other common causes of Koilonychia include pica, illness, cheilosis, glossitis, chemotherapy, malnutrition, iron deficiency or any major metabolic condition or damaging event. Koilonychia may be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait or it may be associated with other syndromes.

Acquired koilonychia may be associated with iron deficiency anaemia. Koilonychia also may result from trauma, constant occupational exposure of the hands to petroleum-based solvents, or nail-patella syndrome. Koilonychia may be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait or it may be associated with other syndromes.

With proper nail care, the Koilonychia can improve in appearance especially if you avoid abusing your nails using them as tools to pick, poke or pry things like for brittle nails, keep the nails short and avoid nail polish. Use an emollient (skin softening) cream after washing or bathing. Koilonychia should be treated as soon as they are recognized.

Causes of Koilonychia

The common causes of Koilonychia include the following:

• Koilonychia is mostly happens as an outcome of softening and thinning of the nail plate.
• Trauma and malnutrition.
• Iron deficiency.
• Malnutrition.
• Glossitis.
• Chemotherapy.
• Occupational immersion of the hands in alkalies.

Symptoms of Koilonychia

Some symptoms related to Koilonychia are as follows:

• Brittle nails.
• Pale skin color.
• Irritability.
• Sore tongue.
• Discoloration underneath the nail may occur as a result of secondary infection.

Treatment of Koilonychia

Here is list of the methods for treating Koilonychia:

• For nail abnormalities due to ingrown toenails, wear shoes that don't squeeze the toes together, and always cut the nails straight across along the top.
• Use an emollient (skin softening) cream after washing or bathing.
• Take vitamins and iron in your diet.
• Take iron as prescribed by your doctor to avoid possible problems related to iron overload, and do not mix iron with beverages such as coffee or tea because these drinks inhibits iron absorption.