In a healthy, disease free body, the bed of the fingernails should be light pink. If there is an iron deficiency or reduced red blood cell production, the nail beds lighten to an almost white shade. Spoon nails occur when the fingernails soften and curl inwards at the sides, becoming concave in appearance. Known as koilonychias, this is also a sign of iron deficiency anemia. Anemia can be a symptom of several other serious diseases; the cause should be investigated.