Published on: 6/20/2025
What do small hemorrhages under the nail bed indicate?
Small hemorrhages under the nail bed, known as splinter hemorrhages, can be caused by trauma or may indicate underlying health issues like psoriasis or heart conditions.
Explanation
Splinter hemorrhages are tiny blood spots under the nails that look like splinters. They can happen if you injure your nail, but sometimes they mean something more serious.
Possible Causes
- Injury: Often, these appear after hitting or injuring your nail.
- Health Conditions: They can be linked to medical issues like psoriasis, which affects the skin and nails, or even heart problems.
What to Do
If you see these under your nails and haven’t hurt yourself, it might be good to talk to a doctor. They can help figure out if it’s related to a health condition.
(References)
- Haber R, Khoury R, Kechichian E, & Tomb R. (2016). Splinter hemorrhages of the nails: a systematic review .... International journal of dermatology, 27420914.
- Tully AS, Trayes KP, & Studdiford JS. (2012). Evaluation of Nail Abnormalities. American family physician, 22534387.
- Canal-García E, Bosch-Amate X, Belinchón I, & Puig L. (2022). Nail Psoriasis. Actas dermo-sifiliograficas, 35697407.
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