Are your nails looking like a spoon? Have they become thin and brittle?
BEWARE! Because these are the symptoms of a disorder known as ‘Spoon Shaped nails’.
But don’t worry, this article will tell you how can you get rid of spoon-shaped nail by using natural home remedies.
What Is Spoon Shaped Nails?
Spoon Shaped Nails is a disorder in which there is a concavity in the fingernail itself, which results in a depression in the nail and looks like a spoon. It is medically known as ‘Koilonychia’. It is a part of Nail-patella syndrome.
Koilonychia is derived from a Greek word which means ‘hollow nail’. In this disorder, there are abnormally thin nails observed (usually of hands), which become flat or concave in shape.
Actually, the waves and dips are in the nail bed. But as the nails are directly attached to the nail bed, therefore the nails are affected.
Stages Of Spoon Shaped Nails
Spoon-shaped nails, as it is known commonly, has different stages. Each stage has its own symptoms and effects. Early stages are hard to recognize, but later stages can prove dangerous to health.
1. At Early Stages
The nails become flat or concave in shape. This stage is very hard to recognize and is quite harmless to the patients. Still, this stage should not be ignored and patients should consult a dermatologist.
2. In Mild Stages
In this stage, the nails develop a wavy texture. Still, the nails will remain healthy and strong. Also, the surrounding skin will remain healthy.
3. In Severe Stages
In this stage, the nails will have the indent in the middle of it so deep that it can hold few drops of water. Also, the nails split at the center, resulting in flaring out of nails at sides. Also, the skin surrounding the nails becomes dry.
What Is The Cause Of Koilonychia(Spoon Shaped Nails)
This disorder has many different causes. It may also be a result of some other disease.
Following are some of the commonly noticed causes of Spoon-shaped nails:
1. Anemia
This is considered to be the major cause of this disorder. Iron deficiency is the commonly observed cause for koilonychia.
2. Haemochromatosis
This is a disease wherein there is the excess of iron available in the blood. This can also cause spoon-shaped nails.
3. Raynaud’s Disease
In this disease, the blood supply to fingers and toes is affected, thereby resulting in thin and white nails.
4. Lupus Erythematosus
The immune system is attacks the body tissues and cells. This is a very uncommon condition.
5. Bacterial Infection
This is also a major cause observed for Spoon-shaped nails.
6. Ill-Fitted Footwear
This disorder is observed in children who use poorly fitting footwear or very stiff footwear.
7. Hereditary
If the disease is inherited, then there are many nails that are affected by such concave dip.
Also, it is a part of ‘nail patella’ as seen above which is itself a hereditary health disease.
8. Biting Nails
Constantly biting, nipping, and stroking nails can cause damage to them and give them a concave shape. In this case, only the nails that are harmed by the person get affected by this disease.
9. Severe Trauma
Koilonychia can also be caused due to severe trauma to the nail matrix. This is the easiest form of this disorder to recognize as it causes severe pain to the patient.
10. The Consequence Of Other Diseases
It can also be caused as a consequence of other diseases like lung disorder, tumors etc.
Symptoms Of Spoon Shaped Nails
If this disorder is treated at its early stages, then it is better for the patient. If this disorder gets severe, then it may have adverse effects.
Following are the symptoms of spoon-shaped nails:
1. Brittle Nails
The nails get thinner at the center and projects outwards. They become brittle and break easily.
2. Color Change
Due to secondary infections, the color of the bottom nail may change. It may become yellow, green or blue-black.
3. Dry Nails
The nail surface appears dry. This leads to easy extraction of the nails.
4. Swelling
There could be severe pain and swelling observed in a case of trauma. The nail also may come out of the nail bed.
5. Malnutrition
As Spoon-shaped nails is a result of anemia, the individual may show signs of malnutrition. The patient may suffer from weakness.
6. Detached Nails
Sometimes, the nails may come out of the nail bed.
7. Difficulty In Breathing
As the patient is suffering from anemia in most cases of koilonychia, he/she may also suffer from breathing difficulties due to anemia.
Treatment For Spoon Shaped Nails
This disorder is considered harmless for patients and can be cured using different methods. Treatment varied from patient to patient.
Following are some of the treatments used for using this disorder:
1. Iron Supplement
As Koilonychia is mainly caused due to iron deficiency, therefore taking an iron supplement can cure this disease. But, this has to be taken in consultation with the doctor.
2. Wear Rubber Gloves
Use rubber gloves if your hands are constantly in water or any liquid. Using rubber gloves will prevent nails from getting wet and becoming brittle.
3. Decrease Consumption Of Coffee
Frequent intake of Coffee leads to slow absorption of iron. So, decrease the intake of coffee to avoid iron deficiency.
4. Consult A Dermatologist
If you see any symptoms related to this disorder, you need to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible. After you go to the dermatologist, he/she can obtain the reason behind this disorder.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Spoon Shaped Nails
Home remedies are easy and safe. They do not have any side effects. Home remedies prove to be very useful in curing diseases.
Like any other disease, Koilonychia also has home remedies which are listed below:
1. Balanced Diet
A Proper diet should be taken so that there is the adequate intake of iron and all other vitamins and minerals.
2. Moisturize Your Nails
Keep your nails moisturized using a cream or body lotion.
3. Apply Lavender Oil
Use Lavender oil and massage your nails so that they get proper strength and care.
4. Short Nails
Keep your nails short so that they don’t get brittle and break. Also, short nails are easy to maintain their hygiene.
5. Lemon
Apply lemon to your nails which keep them clean.
6. Avoid Chemicals
Frequent contact with harsh detergents and chemicals should be avoided. Also, nail polish removers containing acetone and formaldehyde should be avoided.
7. Avoid Damage To Nail Bed
Biting nails or picking up cuticle can cause damage to the nail bed; therefore these habits should be avoided.
8. Say NO To Artificial Nails
Below the artificial nails, moisture gets accumulated. This provides the home to bacteria, fungus etc. thereby giving rise to infections.
These are some of the home remedies used to cure koilonychia. Try them because they are safe and are not expensive.
So, Koilonychia though is not a serious disorder, but may be dangerous if ignored completely. Early symptoms should be observed properly and treated as soon as possible so that it is completely cured.
As nails are the window to our health, we should maintain their hygiene and stay healthy!
Reference:
1.Nailing the Diagnosis: Koilonychia
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