Oftentimes, splinter hemorrhages are brought on by minor injuries, like biting your nails or stubbing your toe.
However, they can also be a sign of serious disease, includingendocarditis, an infection of the heart.
However, where the hemorrhage appears can give you important information about its causes and whether it is serious.
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Causes
Tiny blood clots cause splinter hemorrhages under the nail.
Diagnosis
A physical exam can diagnose splinter hemorrhages.
If you see your healthcare provider about splinter hemorrhages, they might ask you about other symptoms youre experiencing.
Usually, splinter hemorrhages are not the first symptom people experience with other conditions.
Still, they can be an important clue about underlying health concerns.
Theyll disappear over time.
Are Splinter Hemorrhages Serious?
Sometimes, but not always, splinter hemorrhages can be serious.
Summary
Splinter hemorrhages are small bleeds that can occur under the fingernails or toenails.
Theyre often red or brown in appearance and run along the length of the nail rather than across it.
Most often, they are due to trauma like bumping your nail and are not cause for concern.
When in doubt, talk to your healthcare provider about splinter hemorrhages.
Medline Plus.Splinter hemorrhages.National Library of Medicine.
July 19, 2021.
Grugan, B. M. and Dyer, S. P.Splinter hemorrhage.
Journal of Emergency Medicine.
