Splinter Hemorrhages Overview
Learn About Splinter Hemorrhages
Splinter hemorrhages are small areas of bleeding (hemorrhage) under the fingernails or toenails.
Fingernail hemorrhage
Splinter hemorrhages look like thin, red to reddish-brown lines of blood under the nails. They run in the direction of nail growth.
They are named splinter hemorrhages because they look like a splinter under the fingernail. The hemorrhages may be caused by tiny clots that damage the small capillaries under the nails.
Splinter hemorrhages can occur with infection of the heart valves (endocarditis). They may be caused by vessel damage from swelling of the blood vessels (vasculitis) or tiny clots that damage the small capillaries (microemboli).
Causes may include:
- Bacterial endocarditis
- Injury to the nail
There is no specific care for splinter hemorrhages. Follow your health care provider's instructions for treating endocarditis.
Contact your provider if you notice splinter hemorrhages and you haven't had any recent injury to the nail.
Splinter hemorrhages most often appear late in endocarditis. In most cases, other symptoms will cause you to visit your provider before splinter hemorrhages appear.
Your provider will examine you to look for the cause of splinter hemorrhages. You may be asked questions such as:
- When did you first notice this?
- Have you had an injury to the nails recently?
- Do you have endocarditis, or does your provider suspect that you have endocarditis?
- What other symptoms do you have, such as shortness of breath, fever, general ill feeling, or muscle aches?
The physical exam may include special attention to the heart and blood circulation systems.
Laboratory studies may include:
- Blood cultures
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
In addition, your provider may order:
- Chest x-ray
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
After seeing your provider, you may want to add a diagnosis of splinter hemorrhages to your personal medical record.
Forefront Dermatology Sc
Kelli Hutchens is a Dermatologist in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Dr. Hutchens and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Splinter Hemorrhages. Her top areas of expertise are Melanoma, Actinic Keratosis, Neurocutaneous Melanosis, and Molluscum Contagiosum. Dr. Hutchens is currently accepting new patients.
Aurora Medical Group, Inc.
Atif Ahmed is a Dermatologist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Ahmed has been practicing medicine for over 17 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Splinter Hemorrhages. His top areas of expertise are Actinic Keratosis, Bowen's Disease, Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis, and Warts. Dr. Ahmed is currently accepting new patients.
Forefront Dermatology Sc
Brent Weed is a Dermatologist in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Dr. Weed and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Splinter Hemorrhages. His top areas of expertise are Basal Cell Skin Cancer, Actinic Keratosis, Extramammary Paget Disease, and Warts.
Published Date: July 08, 2023
Published By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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