Anemia is a health condition in which the body does not produce or have enough healthy red blood cells.
This can cause several changes in the body, including in thenails.
Anemianailsoften present as spoon-shaped with pale nail beds.
Manu Vega / Getty Images
This article will discuss all the characteristics of anemia nails, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Manu Vega / Getty Images
Whats the Difference Between Typical Nails and Anemia Nails?
How Anemia Affects the Nails
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Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023.
CHeitz / Wikimedia /CC BY 2.0
Anemiais a health condition that can lead to changes in the nails.
It can cause the nail bed to appear pale.
CHeitz / Wikimedia /CC BY 2.0
Why Does Anemia Cause Nail Irregularities?
Anemia is a health condition in which the body does not produce a normal amount ofred blood cells.
Researchers do not have a clear understanding as to why spoon nails occur.
What Causes Anemia?
Many health conditions and other factors can cause anemia.
They may ask about a family health history for anemia or other blood conditions.
Blood tests also can detect anemia.
People with mild anemia may not need treatment.
Below are treatment options that include dietary suggestions, medicine, and procedures.
Dietary
Iron supplementstreat iron deficiency anemia, andB12 supplementsor injections can treatB12 deficiencyanemia.
Dietary changes can help increase iron intake.
Medications and Procedures
Medications to help your body make more red blood cells may be prescribed.
Other options are medications to help manage the conditions causing the anemia.
Another option is ablood transfusion, which involves giving red blood cells through an intravenous (IV) line.
This is typically reserved for people who are having serious complications related to theiranemiaand need fast resolution.
How to Maintain Nails
Nails need to be maintained to keep them healthy and clean.
These changes can be the result of an underlying health condition.
Summary
Anemia is a serious health condition that can cause several symptoms and changes within the body.
One of the changes is spoon-shaped nails.
A healthcare provider should be sought to manage the treatment of anemia and the resolution of any nail changes.
Treatments that may be used include supplements or dietary changes.
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Toronto Metropolitan University.Nails: inspection and palpation.
Moiz B.Spoon nails: still seen in todays world.Clinical Case Reports.
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National Institute of Health.What is anemia?
National Institute of Health.Iron.
National Institute of Health.Iron-deficiency anemia.
