How can I differentiate between a splinter hemorrhage and melanoma in my nails?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Splinter hemorrhages appear as tiny, thin red or brown lines running vertically under the fingernails or toenails, often caused by minor trauma, infections, or underlying conditions. In contrast, nail melanoma typically presents as a dark brown or black streak that is wider, irregular, and may extend into the surrounding skin. Because these two conditions can look similar but have very different implications, any persistent or unusual nail change should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Not sure what your nail change means? The fastest way to get clarity is to take a free, instant, online symptom check. It only takes a few minutes, is backed by medical experts, and helps you understand possible causes and next steps—so you can decide with confidence whether to monitor at home or seek professional care right away.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Quick answers

Frequently Asked Questions

4 answers

The most common questions people search after this page

Concerned about your symptoms?

Start a symptom check

Explanation

To understand the difference between splinter hemorrhages and melanoma in the nails, it is important to look at their appearance and characteristics.

Splinter Hemorrhages: These are small, thin lines that can be red or brown and run in the direction of nail growth. They often look like splinters under the nail and are usually caused by trauma or certain medical conditions.
Melanoma: This is a type of skin cancer that can appear as a dark, irregular streak under the nail. The streak may be black or brown and can change over time.

While splinter hemorrhages are often harmless, melanoma is more serious and needs medical attention. If you notice any dark streaks or changes in your nails, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to help assess your symptoms and understand whether you should seek immediate medical care. Always remember, when in doubt, get it checked out!

(References)

Tully AS, Trayes KP, & Studdiford JS. (2012). Evaluation of Nail Abnormalities. American family physician, 22534387.
Cohen PR. (2011). Longitudinal erythronychia: individual or multiple linear red .... American journal of clinical dermatology, 21668031.
Hafner J, Haenseler E, Ossent P, Burg G, & Panizzon RG. (1995). Benzidine stain for the histochemical detection of .... The American Journal of dermatopathology, 8600800.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.