Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Koilonychia
Introduction
Synonyms and keywords: Spoon nail
Overview
Overview
Koilonychia is a nail disease that can be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia.[1] Koilonychia means literally “spoon nails.” It refers to 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. The normal process of change is: brittle nails, straight nails, spoon-shaped nails.
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
Associated conditions
Spooning, or nails that grow upwards is associated with iron or B12 deficiency.
Causes
Causes
Causes in Alphabetical Order
References
References
- ↑ Kumar, Robbins and Cotran: Pathologic Basis of Disease, 7th ed., 2005. Saunders.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]