Nails are also a part of our body, although perhaps one of the areas to which we pay the slightest attention. However, like any other body area, they can also be damaged, and many alterations can appear in our nails. A change in the appearance of the nails can determine a health problem, although there are also nail conditions.
Aspects such as diet, for example, lack of calcium or vitamins, can cause nail changes. We often associate these changes with poor nail care, and, although sometimes this is the case, they are disorders that can be treated. A prevalent condition, although not very well known, is koilonychia, which causes our nails to be spoon-shaped, a curvature that gives them an ugly appearance. In this FastlyHealarticle, we will talk about koilonychia: what it is, its symptoms, and its treatment.
Table of Contents
What is koilonychia
Koilonychia is also known as spoon nails because of our nails.
This is a fairly common disorder, although perhaps not well known. It is characterized by thinner and deformed nails that stop being convex to be flat or even hollow, spoon-shaped. They completely lose their shape. It is more common on the fingernails and could only appear on one or a few fingers; it is widespread to appear on the thumbs. However, it can also appear on the feet. Sometimes the cleft is so pronounced that it could even bisect the nail plate. Also, the surrounding skin may become drier than usual.
It is not a very serious disorder, but it is usually associated with some disease or nutritional deficit, so it is advisable to consult a doctor when it appears. If this condition occurs, it is best not to get a manicure at a beauty salon or even paint them until they have been treated. The doctor will be the one who should advise you on how to fix your nails and treat them at home.
Causes of koilonychia
Koilonychia usually appears due to an iron deficiency. People with iron deficiency anemia may have this condition. However, other causes could cause it:
- It can be hereditary or congenital.
- Constant nail-biting could cause koilonychia.
- Lack of vitamins, in the following article, you can find vitamins for nails.
- Some dermatitis.
- Eczema.
- Use of corticosteroids.
- Nail fungus .
- Some infection
- Nail psoriasis.
- It is common in children with malnutrition.
Symptoms of koilonychia
Nail problems also cause nail symptoms. These problems, such as spoon nails, change the appearance of the nail and can also change the surrounding skin or the hue of the nail. In the case of koilonychia, the main symptoms that may appear are:
- Brittle, weak, and brittle nails that could easily bend or break.
- Flattening of the nail plate.
- That the pin has a very pronounced curvature in its central part.
- If the nails are allowed to grow, the edges may curl upwards, making them stand out.
- The surrounding skin may become dry.
- Waves or lines may appear on the nail.
Taking into account the appearance of our nails and the changes that appear can help us determine certain aspects of our health. That is why it is crucial that if you notice any symptoms, you go to the doctor.
Treatment for spoon nails
To treat this nail condition, it is necessary to determine the cause that is causing it. If it is a hereditary or congenital condition, the only thing that can be done is to learn to take care of them at home in the best way to have a good appearance. The doctor will be the one who can help you know how to treat them. However, when it is a case of a child, it is not usually treated. Usually, the solution focuses on adapting the diet so that the child has good nutrition and thrives, and thus his nail plate is strengthened.
When it is due to an underlying condition or disease such as anemia due to lack of iron, the underlying problem should be treated so that the state of our nails improves. When the body recovers, the appearance of these will improve.
If the problem is due to a poor diet or a bad habit of biting nails, it will be necessary to try to correct it to regain the excellent appearance of our hands or feet. There are also specific products that strengthen your nails or can help you stop biting them.
Likewise, medications and products are often prescribed for strengthening the nail plate, and some home remedies can also be used to make them stronger. These products or medications are usually taken or used for 2 to 3 months.
How to prevent koilonychia
Although sometimes it is a congenital or hereditary condition, or it is due to an iron deficiency, some factors can help you prevent koilonychia, such as:
- Stop biting your nails and never tear the skin around them, which is quite common.
- Always use scissors or nail clippers; if they break, do not pull them. And file them from time to time.
- The cuticle is that part of the skin between the finger and the nail, and we tend to remove it permanently. It is not necessary; if it has not grown excessively, it is best to leave it.
- The nails are also hydrated, and there are even special oils. It would also be good to use a product from time to time to help strengthen them.
- A good diet can significantly improve the appearance and health of your nails.
- Protect your nails from chlorinated water or with toxic or cleaning products. If you are in constant contact with these, try to use gloves.
- In the case of toenails, it is advisable to trim them from time to time and always straight. Just as those of the hands can be cut in different ways, those of the feet must always be cut straight, leaving the spikes. And try to wear comfortable shoes that do not collide with your toes.
- Maintain good hygiene on both your fingernails and toenails.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Coilonychia: what it is, symptoms, and treatment of spoon nails , we recommend that you enter our category of Skin, hair, and nails .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.