Which term describes spoon-shaped nails?

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

Answer: (A)

Spoon-shaped nails describe a concave, hollowed nail bed that curves upward like a spoon. The term for this condition is koilonychia. It’s often linked to iron deficiency anemia and can signal underlying nutritional or health issues, so noticing it in a client may warrant medical consultation beyond cosmetic care.

Nail biting, or onychophagy, can damage nails but doesn’t produce the characteristic spoon shape. Onycholysis is when the nail plate separates from the nail bed, causing lifting and white areas, not a concave curvature. Onychia is inflammation of the nail matrix with possible infection, leading to redness, swelling, or pus rather than a spoon-like nail form.