What is Koilonychias?
This is an abnormal development of the nails where they are concaved and thinned with edges that are raised – also referred to as “spoon” nails. This is a very common disfigurement where the plate of the nail, normally having a contour that is convex, is switched to one having a concavity in the center as well as upturned distal and lateral margins. The nail is normally very thin as well as quite brittle.
In cases that are mild, the “water test” can be used to diagnose this condition. A drop of water is able to be retained on the nail plate in the concave indention.
Koilonychia affects everything including the color, shape, texture as well as the thickness of the toenails and the fingernails.
Koilonychia can also be genetic as an autosomal dominant trait or it can be linked with other disorders. Acquired koilonychias can be associated with iron deficiency anemia. The nails normally take a lengthy period of time to return to normal.
Koilonychia Symptoms
Signs or indications of koilonychias are:
- Nails are “spoon shaped”
- Nail plates that are brittle, soft as well as thinning
- Nails are concave
- Nails that can be detached
- Nails that can come totally off
- Individual shows signs of being malnourished
- Nails have embossed edges
- Condition can indicate iron deficiency
- Associated with Plummer-Vinson syndrome
- Pain if nail is detached from nail bed or if an infection is active
- Beneath the nail is discolored by secondary infection
This condition is one of the indicators of anemia together with further iron deficiencies and needs to be cured as quickly as possible after being identified. This problem needs to be taken care of even if the spoon nails are triggered by chronic rubbing, trauma or picking of the skin beneath the portion of the nail that is visible, chronic covering with nail polish or moisture that causes brittle nails with peeling of the nail edge.
http://www.Symptoms-Causes-treatment.blogspot.com detect diseases at an early stage symptoms, and find out the causes and treatments best suited.
Koilonychia Causes
This problem with the nail can be caused by iron deficiency anemia or in some exceptions is congenital. The depression is developed thru iron anemia but can also be genetic as an autosomal prevailing trail or it can be linked with other syndromes and causes such as:
- Impaired circulation peripherally
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Renal disease
- Hemochromatosis
- Nail Patella Syndrome
- Hypoplastic Patella
- Raynaud’s disease
- Contact dermatitis to petroleum-based solvents
- Direct trauma
- Excessive use of soaps or oils
Some common causes of infected koilonychias include:
- Pica
- Glossitis
- Cheilosis
- Malnutrition
- Chemotherapy
- Iron deficiency
- Metabolic condition that is major
- Damaging event
This problem can also be caused by disorders created by an inadequate intake of nutrients, unbalanced diet, problems with digestion, problems with absorption or the inability to digest nutrients or other medical problems that can prevent any improvement of the nails. Self-care can be important and can help in numerous ways by improving the nutrients in the diet. This can be done by including vitamins, chicken liver or iron in the diet consumed every day.
Koilonychia Treatment
This condition needs to be managed as quickly as possible after being recognized. Treatments given to replace any lost iron need to be taken at least 30 minutes prior to meals. Any iron supplements given to the individual by their primary care physician need to be taken exactly as prescribed to prevent possible problems linked to the overload of iron and should not be taken with any drinks such as tea or coffee since these beverages can inhibit the iron absorption.
Methods for treating or preventing Koilonychia include:
- For abnormalities because of toenails that are ingrown, wear types of shoes that do not crowd together the toes as well as always cut the toenails straight across the top.
- Get more iron and vitamins in the food you consume by more nutrition in the diet.
- Use a skin softening cream after bathing or washing.
- Take iron as prescribed by your physician in order to avoid any problems related to iron overload.
- Do not mix iron with beverages such as tea or coffee due to these drinks inhibiting iron absorption.
- Wear gloves when doing the dishes or being exposed to any chemicals that are harsh.
Koilonychia Pictures
