Ava Monroe
Splinter hemorrhages are small blood spots that appear underneath the nail, resembling thin wooden splinters. They are caused by damaged blood vessels and can be triggered by trauma to the nails. While they usually occur after an injury, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health condition. Gel nails, like acrylic nails, can cause splinter hemorrhages due to the trauma of the application process. This is a concern for those who get gel manicures, as the condition may indicate an underlying disease or disorder.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Tiny streaks of blood underneath the nail plate |
| Appearance | Resembles thin wooden splinters |
| Colour | Red, reddish-brown, purple, brown, or black |
| Length | 1 to 3 millimetres |
| Location | Close to the end of the nails but can appear anywhere |
| Occurrence | More common in men, people with darker skin tones, and older people |
| Causes | Trauma, injury, underlying health conditions, inflammation of blood vessels, bacterial infections, medications, and certain types of nail care |
| Treatment | No specific treatment; underlying cause should be addressed |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nails and splinter hemorrhages
Gel nails are a popular choice for those who want long-lasting, chip-free manicures. However, there may be a connection between gel nails and splinter hemorrhages, a condition that causes red or reddish-brown streaks under the nails. While gel nails themselves do not directly cause splinter hemorrhages, the process of applying or removing them can potentially lead to this issue.
Splinter hemorrhages occur when small blood vessels under the nail bed burst, resulting in tiny streaks of blood that resemble wooden splinters. These streaks typically appear red or reddish-brown and run vertically along the direction of nail growth. They are usually about 1 to 3 millimeters in length and often occur closer to the end of the nails. While they are generally not painful, splinter hemorrhages can be unsightly and may indicate underlying health issues in some cases.
The application and removal of gel nails can potentially cause trauma to the nail bed, leading to splinter hemorrhages. During the application process, pushing back the cuticles and filing the nails can cause physical trauma to the nail bed. Additionally, the use of acetone-based nail polish removers can dry out the nails, making them more susceptible to damage. When removing gel nails, the forceful removal or excessive buffing of the polish may also contribute to nail trauma.
It is important to note that while gel nails can potentially contribute to splinter hemorrhages, there are other more common causes as well. Trauma to the nails, such as stubbing a toe or dropping something on the nails, is the most frequently reported cause. Additionally, certain underlying health conditions, such as nail psoriasis, lichen planus, and bacterial endocarditis, have been associated with splinter hemorrhages. In some cases, splinter hemorrhages may be a sign of a more serious issue, such as melanoma or an underlying systemic disease.
If you notice splinter hemorrhages after getting gel nails, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide guidance on treating and preventing further occurrences. It is also advisable to practice proper nail care and be gentle when manipulating the nails to reduce the risk of trauma and subsequent splinter hemorrhages.
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Causes of splinter hemorrhages
Splinter hemorrhages are caused by damage to the small blood vessels or capillaries under the skin beneath the nail, known as the nail bed. This damage causes blood to leak or swell, becoming visible as small streaks of blood or tiny blood spots under the nail plate, resembling thin wooden splinters. While they can occur in anyone, they are more common in men, older people, and those with darker skin tones.
The most common cause of splinter hemorrhages is trauma or injury to the nails. This could include dropping something on the nails, hitting the nails against something, or getting them stuck in an obstacle. Stubbing a toe or finger, or even the application of an acrylic nail, can also cause trauma to the nail bed and trigger bleeding underneath the nail. In such cases, the splinter hemorrhage will usually clear up as the injury heals and the nail grows out.
In some cases, splinter hemorrhages may be an indicator of an underlying disease or disorder. They are commonly seen in conditions such as nail psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder that causes skin cells to collect on the nails, and lichen planus, an inflammatory skin condition. Splinter hemorrhages may also be a sign of bacterial infections such as endocarditis, an infection of the heart valves, or systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, or peptic ulcer. In addition, they can occur as a side effect of certain medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
It is important to note that splinter hemorrhages caused by trauma or injury are typically not a cause for concern and usually do not require treatment. However, if they occur for an unknown reason or appear in multiple nails, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation. A careful history, physical examination, and laboratory tests may be required to determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.
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Symptoms of splinter hemorrhages
Splinter hemorrhages are characterised by red, splinter-like streaks under the nails. They are small areas of bleeding (haemorrhage) under the fingernails or toenails. They are usually 1 to 3 millimetres long and appear closer to the end of your nails, but any part of the nail may be affected. They are named splinter hemorrhages because they look like thin wooden splinters under the nail. They are commonly seen in conditions such as nail psoriasis and lichen planus.
When they first form, splinter haemorrhages appear reddish or purple, but they darken to brown or black within a few days. They are usually not painful, but if they are, they are more likely to be the result of a systemic disease. They may be accompanied by additional symptoms such as swelling, inflammation, and pain, which may indicate blood clot formation beneath the nail surface. They can also be caused by underlying health issues that affect the blood vessels, leading to their rupture.
In most cases, splinter hemorrhages caused by trauma or injury will go away on their own and do not require treatment. However, if they are caused by an underlying health condition, they may require treatment. If you are concerned about the appearance of splinter hemorrhages or if they are associated with changes in your nails, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider. They will be able to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment if necessary.
Some of the underlying health conditions that can cause splinter hemorrhages include skin conditions such as nail psoriasis and lichen planus, bacterial or fungal infections, inflammation due to systemic diseases, and vasculitis, which is damage to blood vessels caused by inflammation. Splinter hemorrhages may also be a sign of a more serious condition such as endocarditis, an infection of the heart valves, or chronic kidney disease.
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Treatment for splinter hemorrhages
Splinter hemorrhages are usually not a cause for concern and often do not require treatment. If they are caused by trauma, such as injury to the nail, they will typically grow out and disappear without any medical intervention. This is because, once the injury heals, the nail will also slowly heal and clear up.
However, in some cases, splinter hemorrhages may indicate an underlying disease or disorder, especially if they appear on multiple nails. Some of the conditions that can cause splinter hemorrhages include:
- Bacterial endocarditis: A bacterial infection in the bloodstream that travels to the heart valve.
- Vasculitis: Blood vessel damage caused by inflammation.
- Systemic diseases: Conditions that cause inflammation in blood vessels, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, or peptic ulcer.
- Fungal infection of the nail: Infections can trigger thinning of the nail bed and possible blood vessel damage.
- Diabetes: High glucose levels can damage blood vessels.
- Raynaud's disease: Fingers and toes become oversensitive to cold, which can damage capillaries in the nail bed.
- Antiphospholipid syndrome: This syndrome causes blood clots to develop in the arteries and veins and can be associated with lupus.
- Infectious endocarditis: An infection in the heart valves that can be a result of intravenous drug abuse.
- Nail psoriasis: An autoimmune disorder that causes skin cells to collect on the nails, leading to pitting or splitting of the nails.
- Lichen planus: An inflammatory skin condition that can result in an itchy rash.
- Chronic kidney disease: Splinter hemorrhages may occur in patients on haemodialysis or post-renal transplant due to abnormal coagulation.
- Medications: Certain drugs, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, tetracyclines, aspirin, warfarin, and some chemotherapy medications, have been associated with splinter hemorrhages.
If splinter hemorrhages are caused by an underlying condition, treatment will be targeted at addressing that specific condition. For example, your doctor may prescribe medication or recommend an over-the-counter antifungal treatment for fungal infections. In the case of bacterial endocarditis, antibiotics or surgery may be necessary to repair the heart valves. If the hemorrhages are a side effect of medication, they may disappear once you stop taking the causative drug.
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Prevention of splinter hemorrhages
Splinter hemorrhages are a common nail condition that may have several different causes. The most common cause is trauma to the nail, but underlying health conditions can also be the cause.
To prevent splinter hemorrhages caused by trauma or injury, you can take steps to keep your nails strong and healthy. Here are some tips to help prevent splinter hemorrhages:
- Eat a diet rich in vitamin B and zinc: These nutrients support the growth of stronger fingernails, making them more resistant to trauma and injury.
- Drink plenty of water: Water intake is essential for overall health, including nail health.
- Avoid nail trauma: Try to avoid situations that may cause trauma to your nails, such as dropping heavy objects on them or hitting them against hard surfaces.
- Be cautious with acrylic or gel nails: Applying acrylic or gel nails can cause trauma to your natural nails, leading to splinter hemorrhages. If you choose to get acrylic or gel nails, ensure they are applied and removed properly by a trained professional.
- Consult a healthcare professional: If you are experiencing frequent splinter hemorrhages, consult a healthcare provider. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide personalized advice and treatment options.
It is important to note that not all splinter hemorrhages can be prevented, especially when they are caused by underlying health conditions. Always seek medical advice if you are concerned about any changes to your nails or if splinter hemorrhages are accompanied by other symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Splinter hemorrhages are tiny streaks of blood that appear under the nail plate, resembling thin wooden splinters. They are usually 1 to 3 millimeters long and appear as red or reddish-brown lines.
The most common cause of splinter hemorrhages is trauma or injury to the nails, such as stubbing your toe or getting acrylic nails. However, they can also be caused by underlying health conditions, such as bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, or systemic diseases.
Splinter hemorrhages caused by trauma or injury usually do not require treatment and will grow out and disappear as the nail grows. Any treatment is typically targeted at addressing the underlying cause, such as an infection or disease.
While there are reports of people experiencing splinter hemorrhages after getting gel nails or acrylic nails, it is important to note that trauma or injury to the nails is the most common cause. The act of getting gel nails or the use of nail care products may contribute to trauma or injury, which can then lead to splinter hemorrhages. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the specific cause in each case.
