Koilonychia: Difference between revisions

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[[file:Koilonychia_iron_deficiency_anemia.jpg|thumb|left]] '''Koilonychia''', also known as '''spoon nails''', is a nail disease that can be a sign of various underlying health conditions. The term "koilonychia" is derived from the Greek words "koilos," meaning hollow, and "onyx," meaning nail. This condition is characterized by abnormally thin nails that have lost their convexity, becoming flat or even concave in shape.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Koilonychia
| image          = [[File:Koilonychia_iron_deficiency_anemia.jpg|left|thumb|Koilonychia]]
| caption        = Koilonychia, also known as spoon nails, often associated with [[iron deficiency anemia]].
| synonyms        = Spoon nails
| field          = [[Dermatology]], [[Hematology]]
| symptoms        = Thin, concave nails with raised edges
| complications  = [[Iron deficiency anemia]], [[brittle nails]]
| onset          = Can occur at any age
| duration        = Varies depending on underlying cause
| causes          = [[Iron deficiency]], [[trauma]], [[genetic disorders]]
| risks          = Poor diet, [[celiac disease]], [[autoimmune disorders]]
| diagnosis      = Clinical examination, [[blood test]] for iron levels
| differential    = [[Onychomycosis]], [[nail psoriasis]], [[trauma]]
| prevention      = Adequate dietary iron intake, treating underlying conditions
| treatment      = Iron supplementation, treating underlying cause
| prognosis      = Good with treatment of underlying cause
| frequency      = Common in areas with high prevalence of iron deficiency
}}
'''Koilonychia''', also known as '''spoon nails''', is a nail disease that can be a sign of various underlying health conditions. The term "koilonychia" is derived from the Greek words "koilos," meaning hollow, and "onyx," meaning nail. This condition is characterized by abnormally thin nails that have lost their convexity, becoming flat or even concave in shape.
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
Koilonychia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Koilonychia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
* [[Iron deficiency anemia]]
* [[Iron deficiency anemia]]
* [[Hemochromatosis]]
* [[Hemochromatosis]]
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* [[Trauma]] to the nails
* [[Trauma]] to the nails
* Frequent exposure to [[detergents]] or [[solvents]]
* Frequent exposure to [[detergents]] or [[solvents]]
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
The primary symptom of koilonychia is the spoon-shaped appearance of the nails. Other symptoms may include:
The primary symptom of koilonychia is the spoon-shaped appearance of the nails. Other symptoms may include:
* Brittle nails
* Brittle nails
* Slow nail growth
* Slow nail growth
* Nails that are easily chipped or broken
* Nails that are easily chipped or broken
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of koilonychia typically involves a physical examination of the nails. Additional tests may be conducted to determine the underlying cause, such as:
Diagnosis of koilonychia typically involves a physical examination of the nails. Additional tests may be conducted to determine the underlying cause, such as:
* [[Blood test]]s to check for iron levels
* [[Blood test]]s to check for iron levels
* [[Thyroid function test]]s
* [[Thyroid function test]]s
* [[Autoimmune disease]] screening
* [[Autoimmune disease]] screening
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for koilonychia focuses on addressing the underlying cause. This may include:
Treatment for koilonychia focuses on addressing the underlying cause. This may include:
* Iron supplements for [[iron deficiency anemia]]
* Iron supplements for [[iron deficiency anemia]]
* Treatment for [[thyroid disorders]]
* Treatment for [[thyroid disorders]]
* Managing [[autoimmune diseases]]
* Managing [[autoimmune diseases]]
* Protective measures to avoid nail trauma
* Protective measures to avoid nail trauma
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for koilonychia depends on the underlying cause. If the condition is due to a treatable cause like iron deficiency, the nails may return to normal with appropriate treatment. However, if it is due to a chronic condition, ongoing management may be necessary.
The prognosis for koilonychia depends on the underlying cause. If the condition is due to a treatable cause like iron deficiency, the nails may return to normal with appropriate treatment. However, if it is due to a chronic condition, ongoing management may be necessary.
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Nail disease]]
* [[Nail disease]]
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* [[Lupus erythematosus]]
* [[Lupus erythematosus]]
* [[Hypothyroidism]]
* [[Hypothyroidism]]
== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Koilonychia}}
{{Commons category|Koilonychia}}
[[Category:Diseases]]
[[Category:Diseases]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Nail diseases]]
[[Category:Nail diseases]]
[[Category:Symptoms and signs: Skin and subcutaneous tissue]]
[[Category:Symptoms and signs: Skin and subcutaneous tissue]]
{{medicine-stub}}
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 01:22, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Koilonychia
Koilonychia
Synonyms Spoon nails
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Thin, concave nails with raised edges
Complications Iron deficiency anemia, brittle nails
Onset Can occur at any age
Duration Varies depending on underlying cause
Types N/A
Causes Iron deficiency, trauma, genetic disorders
Risks Poor diet, celiac disease, autoimmune disorders
Diagnosis Clinical examination, blood test for iron levels
Differential diagnosis Onychomycosis, nail psoriasis, trauma
Prevention Adequate dietary iron intake, treating underlying conditions
Treatment Iron supplementation, treating underlying cause
Medication N/A
Prognosis Good with treatment of underlying cause
Frequency Common in areas with high prevalence of iron deficiency
Deaths N/A


Koilonychia, also known as spoon nails, is a nail disease that can be a sign of various underlying health conditions. The term "koilonychia" is derived from the Greek words "koilos," meaning hollow, and "onyx," meaning nail. This condition is characterized by abnormally thin nails that have lost their convexity, becoming flat or even concave in shape.

Causes[edit]

Koilonychia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Symptoms[edit]

The primary symptom of koilonychia is the spoon-shaped appearance of the nails. Other symptoms may include:

  • Brittle nails
  • Slow nail growth
  • Nails that are easily chipped or broken

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of koilonychia typically involves a physical examination of the nails. Additional tests may be conducted to determine the underlying cause, such as:

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for koilonychia focuses on addressing the underlying cause. This may include:

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for koilonychia depends on the underlying cause. If the condition is due to a treatable cause like iron deficiency, the nails may return to normal with appropriate treatment. However, if it is due to a chronic condition, ongoing management may be necessary.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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External links[edit]

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