Koilonychie L60.83

Polyätiological, congenital or acquired deformity of the nails with cup-like hollowing of the nail plate detached at the edge. A spoon-like form is formed by this.

• Usually several, possibly all fingernails, rarely also the toenails, are affected.
• Acquired koilonychia can be encountered in the following conditions:
  • Alcohol diseases (see below Alcohol, skin changes)
  • Avitaminosis B2 ( Ariboflavinosis)
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Raynaud's syndrome
  • Thyroid diseases
  • Mechanical or chemical effects
• Hereditary koilonychia are coincidentally encountered in the following syndromes:
  • Keratosis palmoplantaris transgrediens
  • Melanosis diffusa congenita
  • Monilethrix syndrome
  • Trichomegaly syndrome
  • Trichothiodystrophy
  • Witkop syndrome.

Exclusion of a genetic disease. Otherwise according to the cause, e.g. iron substitutionin iron deficiency anemia. Avoidance of mechanically triggering factors.

1. Kwon NH et al (2012) Sporadic congenital leukonychia with koilonychia. Int J Dermatol 51:1400-1402
2. Mutoh M et al (2015) A syndrome of leukonychia, koilonychia and multiple pilar cysts. Acta Derm Venereol 95:249-250
3. Pancar GS et al (2013) Irritant nail dermatitis of chemical depilatory product presenting with koilonychia. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 33:87-89
4. Prathap Pet al. (2010) Familial koilonychia. Indian J Dermatol 55:406-407
5. Taguchi Y et al (2013) Koilonychia in a patient with subacute iron-deficiency anemia. Internal Med 52: 2379