Smooth tongue and koilonychia in iron deficiency. In iron deficiency anemia, atrophy of the tongue papillae, predominantly located in its anterior part, is observed. The tongue becomes bright red and smooth, as if polished, with deep folds appearing on it. Along with this, the tip of the tongue becomes extremely sensitive to all mechanical and chemical irritations. Sometimes cracks appear at the corners of the mouth – angular stomatitis. Koilonychia, a condition also called “spoon-shaped nails,” is also caused by chronic iron deficiency. In this type of dystrophy, the nails become thin and brittle, a depression forms in the middle, and the edges, conversely, curve upwards.
Koilonychia and Atrophic Glossitis in Iron Deficiency
Clinical signs of sideropenic syndrome in iron deficiency anemia: atrophy of tongue papillae, angular stomatitis, and koilonychia (spoon-shaped nails).
