Koilonychia is often a sign of another condition. Many different factors can trigger it, but sometimes, there is no clear cause.
Below are some of the possible causes.
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Nutrition deficiency
Iron deficiency is the most frequent cause of koilonychia. Iron deficiency anemia is the world’s most common nutritional deficiency disease. It most commonly affects children and women of childbearing age.
The following health problems can lead to an iron deficiency:
- too little iron in the diet
- inability to absorb enough iron from food
- malnutrition
- bleeding in the intestinal tract
- cancer
- celiac disease
People who do not consume enough folate, protein, and vitamin C can also develop an iron deficiency.
People with Plummer-Vinson syndrome may have koilonychia. This condition can affect those with long term iron deficiency.
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What are the other symptoms of iron deficiency? Find out here.
Autoimmune conditions
Koilonychia can occur with:
- systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus
- some inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis and lichen planus
In psoriasis, a problem with the immune system can lead to nail and skin changes.
Learn more about nail psoriasis.
Environmental exposures
Scientists say there may be links between koilonychia and products that contain petroleum.
Some people, such as hairstylists, may frequently work with products that contain petroleum. This could increase their risk of koilonychia.
People that live at high elevations may also have a higher risk of developing koilonychia.
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The air at higher altitudes contains less oxygen than it does at lower levels. When oxygen levels are low, the body produces extra red blood cells. It needs iron to do this, and this can leave the body short of iron.
In 2003, researchers carried out a study among people living at high altitudes in the Ladakh region of India. Almost half of the participants had koilonychia, and it especially affected those in middle age.
In addition to the altitude, the traditional diet of those living in this region is low in iron. This further increases their risk of koilonychia.
Genetic factors
Koilonychia can occur as a result of some genetic conditions.
These include:
- Hemochromatosis: The person absorbs too much iron from their diet. ()
- Nail-patella syndrome: A person can have problems with their nails, kneecaps, hip bones, and elbows.
Other conditions
Koilonychia has links with the following conditions:
- low blood supply to the extremities, as with Raynaud’s disease
- cardiovascular problems
- hypothyroidism
- nail trauma
- vitamin B deficiency
- celiac disease
What does it mean if there are ridges in your nails? Find out here.
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Category: WHY
