Ava Monroe
Koilonychia, also known as spoon nails, is a condition where nails become concave in shape, like a spoon. It can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency, or other medical conditions. While it is sometimes not a cause for concern, it can also point to a more serious underlying health issue.
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What You'll Learn
Koilonychia (spoon nails)
Koilonychia, also known as spoon nails, is a condition that affects the shape of nails, causing them to curve and become concave, resembling a spoon. It is often a sign of another condition, most frequently iron deficiency anaemia, the world's most common nutritional deficiency disease. Other possible causes include lupus, heart disease, celiac disease, and autoimmune conditions. In some cases, resolving the underlying problem will cause the nails to start growing normally again.
Koilonychia is not always a cause for concern, but it often points to a nutrient deficiency or medical condition. If you have koilonychia, it is recommended that you see a healthcare provider, who can give you tests to determine the underlying cause and provide treatment options.
Spoon nails in babies are fairly common, with one study finding that nearly one in three infants have spoon nails. Usually, babies' nails flatten as they grow.
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Nutritional deficiencies
Flattened nails are known as koilonychia, or spoon nails. This condition is often caused by nutritional deficiencies, which can include a lack of iron, vitamin C, protein, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and other vitamins and minerals.
Iron deficiency is the most frequent cause of koilonychia, and iron deficiency anaemia is the world's most common nutritional deficiency disease. If you have iron deficiency anaemia, the iron content of your nails may be lower. A lack of iron can also cause your nails to become brittle, weak, rough, and lose their smoothness.
Protein deficiency can also cause nail changes, with children suffering from kwashiorkor having soft, thin nails. Marasmus, a wasting syndrome caused by prolonged starvation, can also lead to nail changes, with marasmic children experiencing fissured nails and impaired nail growth.
A vitamin C deficiency can also cause koilonychia, and a lack of other vitamins and minerals can lead to brittle, misshapen, or discoloured nails.
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Autoimmune conditions
Flattened nails are known as koilonychia, or spoon nails. They are caused by nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, lupus, heart disease or celiac disease.
One example of an autoimmune condition that can cause koilonychia is lupus. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. It is characterised by periods of illness, known as flares, and periods of remission when the disease is less active. Lupus can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, fever, and skin rashes. In some people with lupus, the disease can also affect the nails, causing them to become indented or spoon-shaped.
Another autoimmune condition that has been linked to koilonychia is celiac disease. Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that occurs in people who are genetically predisposed to the condition. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine, causing damage to the intestinal lining and leading to problems with nutrient absorption. In addition to digestive symptoms such as diarrhoea, bloating, and weight loss, celiac disease can also cause extraintestinal manifestations, including nail changes. Some people with celiac disease may develop koilonychia, although the exact mechanism behind this association is not fully understood.
While less common, there have also been reports of koilonychia in people with other autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Psoriasis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition that primarily affects the skin, leading to the development of thick, scaly plaques. In both of these conditions, nail changes can occur, although they typically manifest as pitting, ridging, or splitting of the nails rather than spoon-shaped nails. Nonetheless, it is important to be aware of these potential associations and seek medical advice if you notice any changes in your nails.
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Iron deficiency
Flattened nails, or koilonychia, can be a sign of iron deficiency. Koilonychia is a condition where nails become indented and concave, like a spoon. It is often a sign of another condition, and iron deficiency is the most frequent cause. Iron deficiency anaemia is the world's most common nutritional deficiency disease. If you have koilonychia, you should see your healthcare provider. They can give you tests to determine the underlying cause of your spoon nails and provide treatment options for any underlying conditions.
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Lupus, heart disease or celiac disease
Koilonychia, or spoon nails, is a condition that causes nails to become concave in shape, like a spoon. It is often a sign of another condition, such as lupus, heart disease or coeliac disease.
Iron deficiency is the most frequent cause of koilonychia. Iron deficiency anaemia is the world's most common nutritional deficiency disease. However, other nutritional deficiencies and autoimmune conditions can also cause koilonychia.
In some cases, resolving the underlying problem means the nails will start to grow as usual again. Your healthcare provider can give you tests to determine the underlying cause of spoon nails and provide treatment options for any underlying conditions.
Spoon nails in babies are fairly common. One study found that nearly one in three infants have spoon nails. Usually, babies' nails flatten as they grow.
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Frequently asked questions
Flattened nails are known as koilonychia, or spoon nails, and are often a sign of a nutrient deficiency or medical condition.
Koilonychia is most frequently caused by an iron deficiency, but can also be caused by lupus, heart disease or celiac disease.
If you have koilonychia, you should see your healthcare provider. They can give you tests to determine the underlying cause and provide treatment options for any underlying conditions.
Koilonychia is when your nails have an indented shape, like a spoon.
Yes, spoon nails in babies are fairly common. One study found that nearly 1 in 3 infants have spoon nails. Usually, babies’ nails flatten as they grow.
