Koilonychia or Spoon Nails Causes and Home Remedies

Koilonychia is the condition where the development of the nails is not normal featuring very thin and concave structure with raised ends. As the nails flaunt a concave look, this condition is often referred to as “spoon nails”. It also alters the shape, thickness, color and texture of the nails. This condition will affect the toenails as well as the finger nails.

This nail abnormality is quite common and is characterized by the convex contour with a concave center and raised or upturned nail edges. This condition can make the nails very soft, brittle and weak. Even though Koilonychia is not a serious condition, it acts as an indicator of a serious health issue which can be fatal.

Koilonychia is said to be a symptom associated with nail patella syndrome, which is a genetic disease. It also is related to several chronic medical conditions like musculoskeletal abnormalities or kidney dysfunction. This nail condition can be found in some infants, but it tends to disappear as the child grows up. The nails getting thinner and the outer edges lifting off gradually, marks the outset of the the condition.

What is Koilonychia and what does it Mean

Koilonychia is a dystrophy of finger nails in which they are flattened and have concavities with raised edges. It also known as ‘spoon nails’. It is a clinical indication of iron deficiency. Sometimes it might be associated with anemia. It can be caused due to the inadequate, unbalanced diet and digestive problems.

What causes Koilonychia in Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is one among the major culprits that cause it. Iron is a very essential mineral for the human body, as it aids in the growth of hair and nails. The deficiency of iron would lead to low numbers of red blood cells in the body, causing anaemia, which in turn, leads to spoon nails.

Top Causes of Koilonychia

A number of factors can be responsible for causing it. Mentioned below are some of the causes that often cause the disfigurement of nails.

1. Lupus Erythematosus

Lupus Erythematosus is a very rare autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack all the healthy cells, organs and tissues in the body. This medical condition would make the nails to have a spoon like con-caved look.

2. Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis refers to the hereditary liver condition that would induce excess production of iron in the body. This condition is commonly found among the Caucasians. Koilonychia is one among the several symptoms of Hemochromatosis like darkened skin, fatigue, sexual dysfunction and joint pains.

3. Raynaud’s Phenomenon

This condition can also trigger the spoon nail condition. Raynaud’s phenomenon can increase the blood flow to the toenails and fingernails while changing the nail color to red, white and blue. Factors like anxiety, stress and cold weather can make Raynaud’s phenomenon to affect the nail health, leading to Koilonychia.

4. Hypothyroidism

It is one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. People who suffer from this low thyroid condition would have abnormalities in their fingernails and nail beds. The inactive thyroid hormone would cause the protein deficiency and selenium deficiency, which can cause the nail to become weak, split and brittle.

5. Nail-Patella Syndrome

This is a genetic medical condition that is related to kidney dysfunction and musculoskeletal abnormalities as well as other organ system malfunctions. Koilonychia is one among the common symptoms associated with such severe medical conditions which indicate the onset of a fatal disease.

6. Nail Biting Habit

Some people often have the habit of biting their nails constantly or pinch or stroke the nails repeatedly. Such habits can take a toll on the nail’s health and causes spooning of nails. Applying bad quality nail polish regularly can also damage the nail bed.

7. Over Exposure

People who work in petroleum industries face too much exposure to several products that are petroleum based and solvents that can affect the health of their nails. People who work with harsh detergent products will also develop Koilonychia, as the harmful chemicals in it will disfigure the nails.

8. Hereditary

Sometimes, Koilonychia can be caused due to hereditary reasons. Kids often inherit it from their forefathers who had this scooped nails condition.

9. Digestive Issues

People who suffer from lack of digestion and intestinal issues are prone to the development of this problem. Koilonychia is commonly found among people who have an unbalanced diet regularly.

10. Mal-nourishment

Those who have vitamin deficiencies or lack nutrients will develop raised nails with concave look. Poor nourishment and the improper absorption of nutrients from the food can also lead to nails disfigurement.

11. Cancer Treatments

People who are diagnosed with cancer will have to undergo radiation therapy and chemotherapy. They might develop Koilonychia owing to the effects caused by the chemicals and radiation of these treatments.

12. Footwear

Children and adults who wear ill fitting footwear or shoes are susceptible to the condition of spooned nails, owing to the suppression of the nail matrix.

Symptoms of Koilonychia

Some of the primary symptoms of are as given below –

• Flattened nails with raised edges
• Brittle nails with peeled edges
• Concavity of nails
• Change in clor, texture and shape of the nails

The nail condition might be associated with other syndromes. Since it is already associated with iron deficiency it is very important to be careful about your nutrition. Koilonychia can cause fatigue, mood changes and decreased cognitive function. Proper nail care can improve the appearance of your nails that are affected with it.

Home Remedies To Cure Koilonychia

The home remedies mentioned below would help in treating or fixing Koilonychia. They are:

• Consuming iron rich foods like beans, dried peas, whole grain bread, turkey, chicken, peanut butter, soybean, liver and spinach can help in curing Koilonychia.
• It is important to treat iron deficiency, which is a major cause of spooning of nails with the iron supplements.
• When working with petroleum based products, solvents, chemicals and detergents, wear gloves of good quality to protect your nails from exposure to harmful chemicals.
• Take care of the nails by cutting them short and filing the edges to help it grow out naturally.
• Wear shoes of right size with a bit of room for the toenails to cure Koilonychia quickly.
• Rub lemon juice regularly on the nails to improve its texture and to correct brittleness.
• Massage a mixture of lavender oil, almond oil and lemon juice on the nails regularly to improve its overall health.
• Soaking the hand in fresh orange juice for 15 minutes will help in improving the nail’s strength. Oranges are rich in folic acid and is a best choice to deal with Koilonychia.
• Massaging the cuticles and nail bed with a mixture of extra virgin olive oil, almond oil and tea tree oil will nourish it and help in correcting the disfigured nails.
• Avoid biting nails, picking the nail layers and stroking it to control damages.
• Massage few drops of vitamin E oil and Melaleuca oil to help the nails become smooth and strong.
• Brittleness of the nails can be corrected by applying argan tree oil and fresh lime juice for 20 minutes.
• In a bowl of warm water, pour 3 drops each of wheat germ oil, commiphora myrrha tree oil and frankincense essential oil to soak the fingers for 20 minutes. This home remedy will treat the concave look and raised edges related to Koilonychia.
• Using horsetail herb regularly would help in restoring the silica in the nail bed and would prevent it from deterioration and aids in the regrowth of healthy toenails and fingernails.

Treatment of Koilonychia

Treatment options available are as given below –

• The problem should be treated immediately after recognizing it. Otherwise it may lead to chronic disorder.
• Use an emollient which intends to nourish your nails after a shower or cleaning or washing hands.
• Keep on taking iron as prescribed by your physician to get rid of the problems related to iron overload. Don’t mix iron in tea or coffee because these may inhibit iron absorption
• Malnutrition is the main cause of this condition, hence take care of your nutrition. Since koilonychia mainly occurs due to iron deficiency, make sure that you are taking iron rich food
• You should be more cautious about exposing your hands to harmful chemicals such as acids, alkalies and washing dishes. Wear gloves which can prevent you from these types of material. It may reduce the impact of the condition
• Wear comfortable shoes

Now that you are fully aware of the causes behind Koilonychia, make sure that you check your nails regularly. If you find any early signs of spooning nails, then apply the home remedies we have compiled above to have healthy nails on your hands and feet. Also, consult your doctor to check if the nail condition is an indicator of any serious health issues and get treated immediately.