Spoon Nails: What It Is, Causes, Prevention and Treatment
Have you ever seen nails curved inward like spoons? It might be a condition called koilonychia, better known as spoon nails. It can affect fingernails or toenails. Although it likely points to underlying health issues, much of the time these are things that can be treated. In this article, we'll cover what spoon nails are, what causes the concave nail shape, and what you can do about it.
Symptoms of Spoon Nails
First, the good news: spoon nails don't hurt. The change happens slowly. At first, you might notice nails looking flatter than usual. Over time, they start to dip inward enough to hold a drop of water - that's the classic spoon nail test.
But there's more to it than just the curve. The affected nails become thin and weak, too.
Keep an eye out for these changes. Catching spoon nails early can help fix underlying issues faster. If you resolve the cause, the nails will gradually return to a healthy appearance.
Causes of Spoon Nails
Most often, spoon nails are a red flag for iron deficiency anemia. This can happen if someone's not getting enough iron, can't absorb it well, or is losing too much - like from heavy periods or gut issues.
Spoon nails can also tag along with other health conditions like diabetes, lupus, or thyroid problems. They might show up in people with heart disease, psoriasis, or rare genetic conditions.
Don't forget environmental factors. Anyone exposing their skin when working with chemicals can be prone to spoon nails. So can people with nail fungal infections. And surprisingly, living at high altitudes and being a vegetarian can increase the odds too.
Sometimes spoon nails run in families. Or they might pop up after an injury, like from wearing too-tight shoes or thumb-sucking in kids.
In summary, spoon nails are a symptom, not a standalone problem.
Nail Conditions That Might Look like Spoon Nails
A nail fungal infection may happen at the same time as spoon nails, but they are different situations and need separate treatments. Nail fungus can change the nail’s shape by thickening or discoloring it.
Nail psoriasis also alters nail shapes and can create pits and ridges. However, the skin will also likely be affected and appear red or flaky.
Sometimes people develop ridges in their nails, especially as they age. But they will not form a dip in the middle like spoon nails.
Treatments for Spoon Nails
Treating spoon nails means tackling the root cause. If iron deficiency is the culprit, it's time to eat more leafy greens, beans, nuts, and lean meats. Yes, dark chocolate can help. Sometimes, an iron supplement might be necessary but check with a doctor first. Other spoon nail causes might need different medications.
How to Do a Manicure for Spoon Nails
While taking care of the underlying health issue, you can also strengthen and beautify the weakened nails:
- First, be gentle. Try a soft manicure brush for cleaning underneath them.
- Trim the nails short and use a fine-grit file in one direction only, not back and forth. Work from the edge toward the center. Please don’t file the top to try to smooth out the dip.
- Be careful with the cuticles to avoid bleeding, inflammation, and infection. Soften them and push them back—don’t cut them.
- Apply a nail strengthener polish during the manicure. This can be a gel or lacquer formula. Check the instructions for how often to reapply it.
- For a longer lasting mani, a rubber base gel can double as a ridge filler to even out the spoon shape.
- Very important: Hydrate the skin and nails daily and keep them moisturized with cuticle oil.
- Protect nails by wearing gloves when cleaning, doing dishes, or gardening. Avoid harsh chemicals and don’t try to use them as tools. Spoon nails are fragile and may break.
Patience is crucial as it can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months for spoon nails to grow out completely. Fingernails tend to bounce back faster than toenails. If the koilonychia is caused by anemia, the nails will probably recover in 6 months or sooner once the iron levels go back to normal.
When Are Spoon Nails an Emergency?
To be honest, spoon nails aren’t an emergency, but their most common cause needs urgent treatment. Specifically, when a person is anemic or deficient in iron, they may suffer other issues like:
- Fatigue, weakness, and trouble getting enough air
- Heart racing
- Dizziness
- Unusually pale skin that bruises easily
Once the iron deficiency is corrected, not only will the person feel better, but the spoon nails should regain a healthy appearance.
Preventing Spoon Nails
If you eat a balanced diet and keep an eye on your health, you may never have to deal with spoon nails. However, life likes to throw curveballs. If you notice your nails changing, get a medical assessment to find out what they are trying to show you. If the first person won’t listen, find another. Not everyone is well-informed about spoon nails, but we’re trying to change that!
In the meantime, take care of your nails. Sanitize manicure tools, follow the proper technique for the system you’re using, and avoid harsh products. There’s no need to sacrifice your well-being for beauty. We have an extensive selection of healthy nail polishes and tools for you to create stunning nail art.
Conclusion
Spoon nails provide a valuable clue about overall health. Spotting koilonychia early can make a real difference for your own health, clients, and friends.
Concave nails could be signaling nutritional lacks or serious health conditions. Your expertise might be the first step for someone getting essential medical attention.
There's plenty you can do while waiting for spoon nails to recover. Address the root cause while protecting and strengthening the nails. Stock up on needed supplies in our store and treat yourself to bulk discounts like you’ve never seen before.
Stay curious and keep learning. Your keen eyes and knowledge might be the key to someone's healthier future!
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/22140-koilonychia-spoon-nails
