Published on: 6/20/2025
What causes a splinter hemorrhage to appear on a nail?
Splinter hemorrhages on the nails are often caused by small injuries to the nail or can appear without a known cause.
Explanation
Splinter hemorrhages are small lines of blood under the nails that look like splinters. These can happen because of small injuries to the nail, like bumping it against something hard. Sometimes, they appear without any clear reason, which is called idiopathic.
Causes of Splinter Hemorrhages
- Trauma: According to the medical literature, trauma to the nail is a common reason for splinter hemorrhages. This can include injuries from everyday activities or specific sports-related injuries.
- Idiopathic: Some splinter hemorrhages occur without any clear cause, which is known as idiopathic. This means they appear without a direct injury or underlying health problem.
Understanding these causes can help in recognizing why these marks appear on the nails. If you see these marks and are unsure why they appeared, it might be helpful to think about any recent bumps or impacts to your nails.
(References)
- Haber R, Khoury R, Kechichian E, & Tomb R. (2016). Splinter hemorrhages of the nails: a systematic review .... International journal of dermatology, 27420914.
- Saladi RN, Persaud AN, Rudikoff D, & Cohen SR. (2004). Idiopathic splinter hemorrhages. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 14726890.
- Mortimer PS, & Dawber RP. (1985). Trauma to the Nail Unit Including Occupational Sports .... Dermatologic clinics, 3830505.
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