Published on: 6/20/2025
What could small blood lines under my fingernails suggest?
Small blood lines under your fingernails could be a sign of a systemic disease or a nail injury. It's important to check with a healthcare provider to understand the cause.
Explanation
Small blood lines under the fingernails, known as splinter hemorrhages, can happen for a few reasons. These tiny blood spots can appear due to trauma or injury to the nail. However, they might also signal underlying health issues.
Possible Causes:
- Nail Injury: Often, these lines are simply due to a small injury to the nail.
- Systemic Disease: Sometimes, they can be a sign of systemic conditions like vasculitis or other diseases that affect blood vessels.
What to Do:
- Observe: If you notice these lines after an injury, they may not be a concern.
- Consult a Doctor: If they appear without any injury, or if you have other symptoms, it's a good idea to see a healthcare provider. They can help figure out if there's a more serious cause.
Remember, while these lines can be harmless, they might also need medical attention to rule out any serious conditions.
(References)
- Fawcett RS, Linford S, & Stulberg DL. (2004). Nail abnormalities: clues to systemic disease. American family physician, 15053406.
- Damevska K, Gocev G, Pollozahani N, Nikolovska S, & Neloska L. (2017). Onychomadesis Following Cutaneous Vasculitis. Acta dermatovenerologica Croatica : ADC, 28511755.
- Egger A, & Tosti A. (2020). Carpal tunnel syndrome and associated nail changes. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 32199899.
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.
Learn more about symptoms
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.