What is Koilonychia?

Nail disorders can happen to anyone for a number of reasons. Most commonly a nail disorder is caused by some type of injury to the nail as well as imbalances or disease in the body.

Many people experience nail disorders and if you are doubtful or concerned it is always advisable to see your physician.

Nail disorders such as Koiloncychia and many others will pronounce themselves with a discolored or distorted look to the nail.

Nail disorders can affect the various parts of the nail including the nail matrix, nail plate, cuticle, nail bed and the nail folds.

While there are many types of nail disorders including fungal infections and hangnails, some are caused by deficiencies. The nail disorder Koilonychia is one such disorder and is most often a result of iron deficiency.

Other factors that can cause Koilonychia include a thyroid dysfunction, renal disease and other physical diseases as well as being the result of trauma, malnutrition and exposure to petroleum based products and solvents.

The nails show ridges that are raised; the nails become thin and flatten or become concave in the center.

Left untreated or simply attempting to alter the physical appearance for such a disorder by buffing the nail smooth will only improve the physical look of the nail for a tine and not treat the root problem.

Simply covering the symptoms without addressing the root cause will allow the koilonychia to progress to the point of irreversible damage to the nail and even a complete detachment of the nail.

Since Koilonychia is most generally a result of too little iron in the body it is advised to seek the advice of a physician to address the anemia issues and treat the body appropriately.

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The most common treatment will be a regime of iron supplements and monitoring the blood iron levels to ensure it is within acceptable levels and stays there.

Low iron levels are most commonly associated with women who experience heavy menstrual cycles, children and vegetarians who do not eat iron rich foods or take proper supplements.

Natural ways of boosting your iron levels would include eating iron rich foods such as liver and other meat; however, for vegetarians this would not be the best solution. Dried fruits such as prunes, apricots or raisins are high in iron and often easy to get children to eat.

Nuts and beans are also good sources of iron, particularly lima beans; spinach and broccoli are as well. In addition to eating foods high in iron supplements can also be taken. It is important to not overdo your iron supplement ingestion as too much iron can be toxic.

The nails and hair are often places that deficiencies in the body will first show themselves and these first symptoms should not be ignored.

Though Koilonychia may seem easy to control and cover by buffing the nail or wearing nail polish, it is our body’s way of saying there is something wrong.

It is important to use this symptom to have your physician look for deficiencies in your body so that you can get back to optimum health.