KOILONYCHIA (Spoon Nails)

KOILONYCHIA (Spoon Nails)

Koilonychia is indented nails. Instead of growing straight, your nails look concave, like spoons. In many people, koilonychia is a sign of iron deficiency. Usually, you can get rid of spoon nails by treating the underlying cause. 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.

Homoeopathy treats the underlying causes of koilonychia. Also, homeopathy have constitutional medicines which can improve iron absorption.

Koilonychia refers to soft nails that have a spoon-shaped dent in them. Often these “spoon nails” form gradually. In many people, the first sign of koilonychia is flattened nails. Then, eventually, an indentation forms. The indentation is deep enough to hold a drop of water on your nail bed.

Usually, koilonychia occurs because of an underlying medical condition. more likely to have spoon nails in nutritional deficiencies like iron or vitamin B deficiencies.

The name “koilonychia” comes from the Greek word koilos, which means hollow. Nychia refers to nail conditions.

Is koilonychia a fungal infection?

No. Koilonychia is a symptom, not an infection. But sometimes people with fungal nail infections can get spoon nails.Usually, if you have a fungal nail infection, you also have inflammation or irritation along with spoon nails.

Possible Causes

Most often, spoon nails are a sign of iron deficiency because the body

Can’t absorb iron.

Don’t consume enough iron.

Have celiac disease, cancer or bleeding in  intestinal tract.

Lose iron with excessive menstruation.

In some cases, koilonychia is hereditary. It can also result from an injury to the nail bed, such as thumb-sucking in babies and toddlers or too-tight shoes in people of all ages. Sometimes, spoon nails are genetic. And people living at very high altitudes appear to have a higher likelihood of spoon nails

Sometimes, koilonychia points to another medical condition. Spoon nails can be a symptom of:

Diabetes mellitus.

Heart disease.

Hemochromatosis (iron overload).

Lichen planus.

Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus).

Nail patella syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting your nails and bones.

Psoriasis.

Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

Raynaud’s phenomenon.

RISK FACTORS

You’re more likely to have koilonychia if you eat a vegetarian diet.which may raise your risk of being low in iron.

Iron deficiency.

Low blood flow to your fingers or toes.

Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)

Malnutrition or an eating disorder.

Care and Treatment

Healthcare providers treat the underlying cause of koilonychia. If you have an iron deficiency, changing your diet  maybe eat more

Beans and lentils.

Dark chocolate.

Fortified foods, such as bread or breakfast cereal.

Iron-rich fruit, such as dates, figs, prunes and raisins.

Leafy greens, such as spinach or kale.

Meat and seafood rich in iron.

Nuts and seeds.

Tofu.

PREVENTION

 Often, treating the underlying cause of koilonychia will make your nails grow properly. But it can take a long time. It may take six to 18 months for koilonychia to go away.

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent spoon nails. You can lower your risk of spoon nails by eating a balanced diet.

You can also lower your risk of nail problems by taking care of your nails like

Clean your nails with a soft brush.

Keep your nails moisturized with hand cream.

Trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails.

Use rubber gloves when cleaning or using chemical products.

Wear properly fitting footwear that doesn’t cramp your feet.

 HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES

Silicea

Antimonium crudum