Published on: 7/4/2025
What should I do if I notice a splinter hemorrhage on my toenail?
If you see a splinter hemorrhage on your toenail, it could be from injury or a sign of something more serious. It's best to see a doctor to make sure everything is okay.
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Explanation
Splinter hemorrhages on the toenail look like small, dark lines under the nail. They can happen when you bump your toe or from other causes. Sometimes, they can be a sign of a health problem.
Possible Causes:
- Injury: Most often, these happen because you hit or hurt your toe.
- Health Issues: In some cases, they might be linked to things like infections or other health conditions like inflammation of your blood vessels.
What to Do:
- Check for Injury: Think about if you hurt your toe recently.
- See a Doctor: If you didn’t hurt your toe or if you have more than one splinter hemorrhage, it’s a good idea to visit a doctor. They can help find out if there’s a health issue.
Remember: It’s always better to be safe and have a doctor check it out, especially if it doesn’t go away or if you find more.
(References)
- Haber R, Khoury R, Kechichian E, & Tomb R. (2016). Splinter hemorrhages of the nails: a systematic review .... International journal of dermatology, 27420914.
- Miller A, & Vaziri ND. (1979). Recurrent atraumatic subungual splinter hemorrhages in .... Southern medical journal, 505075.
- Gao J, Shen C, Ko R, Guo Y, Shen X, Cui Y, & Yang C. (2020). Clinical Observation and Follow-Up of Subungual Splinter .... Indian journal of dermatology, 32029933.
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