Which condition describes spoon-shaped nails linked to systemic illness?

Which condition describes spoon-shaped nails linked to systemic illness?

• A. Koilonychia
• B. Onychophagy
• C. Onycholysis
• D. Onychia

Answer: (A)

Koilonychia refers to spoon-shaped nails, where the nail plate is concave and curves upward at the edges. This nail change is often a sign of a systemic problem, most commonly iron deficiency anemia, where reduced iron affects nail formation and leads to the characteristic concavity. While not exclusive to iron deficiency, it’s a classic indicator that prompts checking iron status and overall nutrition. Nail-biting (onychodacks at the edges) produces irregular, damaged edges rather than a concave, spoon-like shape. Lifting or separation of the nail plate from the nail bed (onycholysis) looks different and involves detachment, not curvature. Inflammation of the nail matrix (onychia) manifests with redness, swelling, or pus and changes around the nail, not the spooned contour.

Koilonychia refers to spoon-shaped nails, where the nail plate is concave and curves upward at the edges. This nail change is often a sign of a systemic problem, most commonly iron deficiency anemia, where reduced iron affects nail formation and leads to the characteristic concavity. While not exclusive to iron deficiency, it’s a classic indicator that prompts checking iron status and overall nutrition.

Nail-biting (onychodacks at the edges) produces irregular, damaged edges rather than a concave, spoon-like shape. Lifting or separation of the nail plate from the nail bed (onycholysis) looks different and involves detachment, not curvature. Inflammation of the nail matrix (onychia) manifests with redness, swelling, or pus and changes around the nail, not the spooned contour.