Spoon nails

Spoon nails is a condition where the central region of the nail forms a dent, and causes the perimeters of the nail to bend like a spoon.

One of the main causes is iron deficiency related anaemia. Individuals therefore who are anaemic should be cautious.

Furthermore, this is also a common condition in people who work with exposure to alkali substances or workers who constantly apply strong pressure on their fingernails.

Therefore, if “individuals who are anaemic or work closely with alkali substances” notice some change in their nails, they should consult a medical professional.

Other causes include genetic components. Furthermore, the way you cut your nails may also induce the condition.

Furthermore, the condition has been known to manifest in babies who have very thin nails.

A variety of causes for the condition

There is a strong possibility that the condition is induces by a variety of factors.

Is there an actual problem with nails shaped like a spoon? It’s commonly thought that leaving the condition doesn’t cause any health problems. However, if the condition is caused by internal problems of the body, you must be cautious. The nails can symbolise what form of atypical change is occurring in the body.

For all these reasons, if any symptoms appear it is recommended that you visit a medical professional.



Prevention

To prevent the condition, you should consume more iron, hence preventing anaemia by evaluating your everyday diet. Furthermore, it’s encouraged to increase the intake of items listed below as an example.

(Example)

  • Iron….. Liver, seaweed, Green vegetables, persimmons
  • Protein….. Fish, breast meet, red meet, milk, eggs
  • Vitamin B12….. Clam, Sardines, salmons
  • Folic acid….. Liver, egg yolk, green vegetables
  • Vitamin C….. Fruits, Vegetables

However, consuming iron only improves the symptoms of spoon nails if the the condition was caused by iron-deficiency related anaemia. If the spoon nail is induced by other factors, then iron intake does not improve symptoms.

Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the cause for the condition.

For all these reasons, if any symptoms appear it is recommended that you visit a medical professional.