Common Causes
Treatment
- Eat foods that are enriched with iron. ...
- One can take an iron supplement if only food is not enough to cure koilonychia.
- Wear gloves while doing household chores and dealing with dry agents such as washing powder, soap, detergent powder etc.
- Some people love to consume coffee frequently but this has to be checked. ...
Related Conditions
Underlying health conditions that may cause peeling or brittle nails include:
- iron-deficiency anemia
- dehydration
- underactive thyroid
- lung disease, which may also cause yellow nails
- kidney disease, which brown discoloration on the nails can also indicate
How to cure spoon nails?
Split nails down the middle are commonly found in the fingernails and very rarely occur in the toenails. The causes of nail splitting down the middle are as follows: lack of moisture, fungal infection, protein and vitamins deficiency, hypothyroidism, psoriasis. In most cases, good hygiene and simple treatment therapies help cure and prevent nail splitting down the middle.
Why do fingernails tear easily?
The following is an insight of possible causes of a vertical splitting of nails:
- Vertical splitting of nailscan be as a result of injury caused to the nail bed, like getting fingers trapped between closing doors.
- Vitamin and protein deficiencies could also be causes of a vertical splitting of nails. ...
- Secondary nail bed infections can result in damage to the nail and can result in striations. ...
What causes fingernails to split down the middle?
What causes toenails to split vertically?
How do you treat nail spooning?
0:121:09How to Diagnose & Treat Spooning Nails - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYour doctor may give you an iron supplement to balance the low levels in your system. Step 3 stopMoreYour doctor may give you an iron supplement to balance the low levels in your system. Step 3 stop biting picking and rubbing your nails for a long period of time which can also cause spooning nails.
What does it mean when you have dents in your nails?
Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or dents in one or more of your fingernails or toenails. They're a sign that an illness, injury or skin condition interrupted your nail growth. Treating the underlying cause will allow new, smooth nails to grow again.
What vitamin deficiency causes dents in fingernails?
Without zinc, the body is not able to develop as effectively. This can slow down the growth of a person's nails and increase their fragility. This can take the form of various nail conditions, including Beau's nails and onychorrhexis.
Do nail dents go away?
There is no cure for nail pitting, and nothing will prevent it from happening. However, there are things you can do to prevent the symptoms from worsening. Ways that you can keep your nails healthy include: Get prompt treatment for any other conditions you have that could cause nail pitting.
Can your fingernails show signs of illness?
Ripples on nails or pitted nails may be caused by a skin disorder, psoriasis, eczema, or arthritis. Nail clubbing is when a nail curves under at the tip of the finger. It could indicate heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, lung disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, or HIV/AIDS.
What do fingernails look like with low iron?
Your fingernails can show symptoms of iron deficiency. If you have soft, scooped-out fingernails with a depression in the middle, you could have iron-deficiency anemia. Your nails can also signal other health conditions, if you notice nail pitting or transverse lines called Mees' lines.
Does vitamin D deficiency affect nails?
Vitamin D regulates calcium levels in the body which is an essential contributor to having healthy nails. If you find yourself with brittle and weak nails, it could mean a lack of Vitamin D. Perhaps, book yourself a Nail Strengthening Treatment (IBX).
What does zinc deficiency look like?
What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency? Zinc deficiency can result in skin changes that look like eczema at first. There may be cracks and a glazed appearance on the skin, often found around the mouth, nappy area and hands. The rash doesn't get better with moisturisers or steroid creams or lotions.
Is nail pitting serious?
Nail pitting can be mild. If the pitting is not causing any discomfort, it will not require any treatment. More severe cases can cause discomfort and distress, however. Nail pitting is quite difficult to treat, although some modern methods have been shown to be effective.
What does Beau's lines look like?
What do Beau's lines look like? Beau's lines are horizontal indentations, or ridges, that develop across the nails. They usually run straight across the nail. A person may develop one or more Beau's lines on any nail, or across multiple nails.
What do fingernails look like with low iron?
Your fingernails can show symptoms of iron deficiency. If you have soft, scooped-out fingernails with a depression in the middle, you could have iron-deficiency anemia. Your nails can also signal other health conditions, if you notice nail pitting or transverse lines called Mees' lines.
Can vitamin deficiency cause nail pitting?
Important Conditions Associated with Abnormal Nail Exam Can manifest with nail pitting, leukonychia, and an oil drop sign on the nail bed. Look for cutaneous psoriasis as a coexisting feature. Classically associated with subacute bacterial endocarditis; they can be seen with vitamin C deficiency as well.
What causes spoon nails?
But spoon nails can also result from: trauma to the nail. chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer. frequent exposure to petroleum solvents or detergents. inability to absorb nutrients. Some of the diseases associated with spoon nails are: celiac disease. diabetes. heart disease.
Why do spoon nails have a shaped like a spoon?
There are many causes, but the most frequent one is iron deficiency anemia. The medical name for spoon nails is koilonychia, from the Greek words for hollow ( koilos) and nail ( onikh ).
How to get iron out of spoon nails?
There are some basic things you can do to help the condition of your spoon nails: Keep your nails clean and short. Use a skin softener or oil to keep your nails well-lubricated. Don’t bite your nails.
What does a spoon nail look like?
Spoon nails look like the center of your nail is scooped out. The nail becomes thin and the outer edges turn up. Your nail may crack, and the outer part may come out of the nail bed. Some infants are born with spoon nails, but they eventually grow out of it.
How to keep your toenails from getting swollen after showering?
Using a skin softener or oil on your nails after showering or bathing will help keep them in good condition. Other preventive measures include: Don’t bite your nails, and don’t pick at them. Make sure that your shoes fit, and keep your feet clean and dry if your toenails are affected.
How long does it take for spoon nails to clear up?
If your spoon nails are related to anemia, you may feel better a week or so after increasing your iron intake, but it may take months to get your body’s iron up to normal. If you are treated for other diseases that are associated with your spoon nails, your nails should clear up in time.
How long does it take for a fingernail to grow?
Fingernails grow slowly, and toenails grow even more slowly. It can take half a year for a fingernail to regrow, and a year and a half for a toenail to regrow.
What is spooning of nails?
The MedicineNet defines Koilonychia (spooning of nails) can as “concavity in the fingernail itself, resulting in a depression in the nail that gives an appearance of a spoon shape to the entire nail”. That is to say that spooning of nails begins with a deformity in the nail bed which then result in a concave indent in the overlying nail plate.
Why do spoon nails get so bad?
Iron deficiency anemia: Iron deficiency stands out as the most common spoon nails cause. Iron is an essential mineral in the body and its deficiency result in reduced number of red blood cells in the blood.
What does "spooning" mean in toddlers?
Spoon Nails Definition, Meaning, in Toddlers, on One Finger. Spoon nails are attributed to a medical condition known as Koilonychia. Terms such as concave nails, scoop nails, and spooning nails are also used to describe this nail disease. The MedicineNet defines Koilonychia (spooning of nails) can as “concavity in the fingernail itself, ...
How do you know if you have a spoon nail?
Other symptoms associated with severe spoon nail cases include thin, brittle nails that tend to split and crack in the concaved area. It is also common for the edges of the nail to curve upwards and the skin around the affected nail to become dry and crack.
What is the best treatment for koilonychia?
Among the most common approaches to treating koilonychia or scoop nails are: Iron supplementation: According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), iron supplementation is usually effective and recommended for treatment or iron deficiency anemia and by extension nail spooning.
How long does it take for spoon nails to grow?
Be patient: According to Parker Gennett, MD, a podiatrist based in Vestal, N.Y., “Because nails grow so slowly, spoon nails could take six to nine months to correct.”.
Why do my fingernails have indented nails?
Protein deficiency: According to Medicine Net, protein deficiency can also cause indented, concave nails. Diabetes. Hypothyroidism: The HealthLine also adds hypothyroidism to the list of conditions that can show as spooning of fingernails.
Why do people get spoon nails?
Malnutrition. Heart Disease. Lack of Vitamin B. Raynaud’s Syndrome. Thyroid Disorders. And, sometimes spoon nails occurs due to the inherited genetic attributes. Besides, people who do heavy manual labor and walk barefooted are more prone to koilonychia.
Why do my nails look like a spoon?
The nails become dry and in some cases, they might swell too causing pain to the nail bed. As a consequence, all these things, jointly cause the nail to take the shape of a spoon gradually. As koilonychia is the outcome of anemia, other symptoms caused by anemia accompany these symptoms.
What Are Spoon Shaped Nails?
The medical term for this disease is Koilonychia. The nail looks like spoons if the nail plate curves inward the nail bed and resembles the shape of spoons. It’s the concavity of the fingernails which occurs due to iron deficiency, anemia, hemochromatosis etc.
How to tell if you have koilonychia?
The symptoms of koilonychia are hard to determine when it is in the early stage. With the passage of time, the symptoms start to become obvious and that’s when a person finds his nails different than other normal people. The first of the symptoms is the nail become brittle and easily breakable. Sometimes, the color also starts to change in the advanced stages. The nails become dry and in some cases, they might swell too causing pain to the nail bed. As a consequence, all these things, jointly cause the nail to take the shape of a spoon gradually. As koilonychia is the outcome of anemia, other symptoms caused by anemia accompany these symptoms.
What is the best way to get rid of spoon shaped nails?
Because we get everything we need from the food we eat. A moisturizer can help you greatly to keep the nails damage free. Lavender oil and lemon juice are two important natural components that can help cure the spoon shaped nails.
How to cure a nail infection?
One can try the home remedies and precautions given below. Keep the health hygiene. This includes keeping the nails clean and short, taking bath regularly and wearing clean clothes. A balanced food & diet is a natural medication for all the diseases. Because we get everything we need from the food we eat.
Can nails be a nuisance?
written by zinia Updated on April 5, 2018. April 17, 2018. Nails are beautiful but they can turn into a nuisance if there comes any abnormality. Thre are a few common nail diseases and abnormalities that often trouble the patron. Spoon-shaped nails are one of them. Some of these abnormalities cause unpleasant physical sensitivity and some make ...
Why do my toenails curve?
Koilonychia affects the shape of nails. The nails start to curve like a spoon. Possible causes include nutritional deficiencies and autoimmune conditions.
Why do babies have concave nails?
In infants, the nail shape usually becomes regular in time. However, parents or caregivers who have concerns should speak to a health professional, as concave nails in infants could also indicate a genetic disorder.
Why does koilonychia occur?
Outlook. Koilonychia often stems from an iron deficiency in the diet, and it may respond to dietary changes. If the underlying reason is not a dietary one, a doctor may recommend medical treatment, depending on the cause. Some conditions interfere with the amount of iron and oxygen the red blood cells hold.
What is a kilonychia?
Koilonychia is just one type of nail problem. Other types include fungal infections, nail psoriasis, and ridged nails. These can all be signs of another condition or problem. Tips for taking care of nails when problems occur include: wearing rubber gloves when washing up or using cleaning products.
What does it mean when your nails are flat?
Flat nails can be an early sign of koilonychia. Nails tend to flatten before developing the characteristic concave shape. Most nails curve down and are convex. When the nails become concave, people sometimes describe it as being able to hold a drop of water on the top of their nail.
How to treat koilonychia?
Some causes will respond to dietary changes. Consuming enough iron in the diet can also help prevent unwanted nail changes.
What causes koilonychia?
Iron deficiency is the most frequent cause of koilonychia. Iron deficiency anemia is the world’s most common nutritional deficiency disease. It most commonly affects children and women of childbearing age. The following health problems can lead to an iron deficiency: too little iron in the diet. inability to absorb enough iron from food.
How do spoon shaped nails look?
Spoon-shaped nails look exactly as they sound — they almost turn inside out to mimic the shape of a spoon. Healthline notes that spoon-shaped fingernails become thin and turn up on the edges, and can even lift out of the nail bed.
What does it mean when your fingernails are concave?
Medically speaking, spoon-shaped (or concaved) nails are referred to as koilonychia. According to medical science journal The Permanente Journal, koilonychia is an abnormal, concave appearance of the fingernail that can indicate anemia or a significant deficiency of iron, which must be professionally diagnosed to determine the root cause. The American Academy of Dermatology lists poor nutrition, stomach problems, and gluten intolerance as possible causes of anemia.
What to do if your nails change shape?
Essentially, if your nails noticeably change shape or texture, you should head to your doctor to get checked out.
What causes small pits in the nails?
lichen planus, an inflammatory skin condition. thyroid disorder. nail psoriasis. Small dents and pits may also appear in the nails, which may result from: eczema. psoriasis. reactive arthritis. alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that often causes hair loss.
Why do my toenails curve?
Nails that curve far inward at the sides are called ingrown nails. This condition may affect the toenails and be due to wearing shoes that are too tight, particularly in the toe box. Ingrown nails may also result from cutting the nails improperly.
How do you know if you have psoriasis on your nails?
About 90% of people with psoriasis develop the condition on their nails at some point. Besides curving, symptoms may include thickening and shallow or deep holes in the nail.
What does it mean when your nails are curving?
A person’s nails can say a lot about their overall health, while changes to the nails may suggest an underlying issue that needs treatment, such as nail psoriasis or Raynaud’s disease. The curving of the nails does not always indicate a cause for concern, but it may be a good idea to consult a doctor.
Why do my fingers curve?
This involves the thickening of the tissue underneath the nail, causing the fingertips to become rounded and the nails to curve over them.#N#Doctors believe this results from increased blood flow to the fingertips. It can run in families and may be harmless, but it may be due to a health condition, especially if it occurs later in life.
What does it mean when your fingernails are curved?
Spoon nails. With spoon nails, the nails become so soft and curved that they can hold a droplet of water. Doctors often refer to this as koilonychia. This issue may occur in newborns, but it may resolve without needing treatment. In other cases, and in people of other ages, koilonychia can indicate health issues, such as iron-deficiency anemia.
How much iron is in my nails?
While a person typically has around 1 gram (g) of iron in their body at any time, this condition can cause a buildup of 5 grams or more. Besides curved nails, symptoms may include: hair loss. skin discoloration. weight loss. early menopause. joint pain. abdominal pain. liver dysfunction.
