Koilonychia, also known as spoon nails,[1]: 782 is a nail disease that can be a sign of hypochromic anemia, especially iron-deficiency anemia.[2]: 656 [3] It refers to abnormally thin nails (usually of the hand) which have lost their convexity, becoming flat or even concave in shape. In a sense, koilonychia is the opposite of nail clubbing. In early stages nails may be brittle and chip or break easily.
| Koilonychia | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Spoon nails |
 | |
| Koilonychia | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
Koilonychia is associated with Plummer–Vinson syndrome and iron deficiency anemia. It has also been associated with lichen planus, syphilis, and rheumatic fever. The term is from the Greek: κοῖλος, koilos, "hollow", ὄνυξ, onyx, "nail".
Even though koilonychia has been associated with iron deficiency in case reports, it is more likely seen as an occupational change in nails and may be idiopathic; ruling out iron deficiency anemia in these patients is the only work-up necessary in this condition.[4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.). Saunders. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.
- ^ Freedberg, et al. (2003). Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-138076-0.
- ^ Kumar, Robbins and Cotran: Pathologic Basis of Disease, 7th ed., 2005. Saunders.
- ^ Rich P. Stratman E, Corona R (eds.). "Overview of nail disorders". UpToDate. Waltham MA. Retrieved April 27, 2020.