Sophia Delgado
Red lines on nails are known as splinter hemorrhages. They are characterised by red, splinter-like streaks under the nails. They occur when blood leaks or swells from small blood vessels that run up and down the nail bed. They can be caused by trauma to the nails, such as dropping something on them, hitting them against something, or getting them stuck in an obstacle. They can also be caused by certain infections, such as nail psoriasis, or the use of some drugs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Splinter haemorrhages |
| Appearance | Red or reddish-brown lines of blood under the nails |
| Cause | Blood leaking from small blood vessels that run up and down the nail bed |
| Cause | Trauma to the nails |
| Cause | Nail psoriasis |
| Cause | Use of some drugs |
| Cause | Certain infections, especially of the heart valve |
| Cause | Vessel damage from swelling of the blood vessels (vasculitis) |
| Cause | Tiny clots that damage the small capillaries (microemboli) |
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What You'll Learn
Splinter hemorrhages
Splinter haemorrhages are characterised by red, splinter-like streaks under the nails. They are caused by blood leaking or swelling from small blood vessels that run up and down the nail bed. They can also be caused by tiny blood clots known as microemboli in the capillaries.
The name refers to how a splinter haemorrhage resembles having a splinter underneath the nail. They run in the direction of nail growth.
One of the most common causes of splinter haemorrhages is trauma to the nails. Dropping something on the nails, hitting the fingernails against something, or getting them stuck in an obstacle can cause splinter haemorrhages to appear. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, an estimated 20% of splinter haemorrhages are due to nail trauma.
Splinter haemorrhages can also be caused by certain infections, especially of the heart valve (endocarditis), or vessel damage from swelling of the blood vessels (vasculitis). They may also be caused by nail psoriasis and the use of some drugs. Treatment is not usually needed, unless there is an underlying condition.
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Trauma to the nails
Red lines on nails are known as splinter hemorrhages. They are characterised by red, splinter-like streaks under the nails, which run in the direction of nail growth. They occur when blood leaks or swells from small blood vessels that run up and down the nail bed.
Splinter hemorrhages can also be caused by tiny blood clots known as microemboli in the capillaries. These clots can damage the small capillaries under the nails. In addition, certain infections, especially of the heart valve, may cause red streaks in the nail bed. This condition is known as endocarditis.
Vessel damage from swelling of the blood vessels, or vasculitis, can also cause splinter hemorrhages. Treatment is not usually needed, unless there is an underlying condition. However, it is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions for treating any associated conditions, such as endocarditis.
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Nail psoriasis
Red lines on nails are called splinter hemorrhages. They are caused by blood leaking from under the nails and can be the result of trauma or a range of medical conditions, including nail psoriasis.
There is no cure for nail psoriasis, but treatments can alleviate related symptoms. The slow growth of nails and the prolonged nature of treatment pose challenges for managing this condition. An interprofessional healthcare team is crucial for evaluating and treating patients with nail psoriasis, and collaborative approaches can enhance patient outcomes.
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Drug use
Red lines on nails are known as splinter hemorrhages. They are characterised by red, splinter-like streaks under the nails, running in the direction of nail growth. They occur when blood leaks or swells from small blood vessels that run up and down the nail bed.
In terms of drug use, splinter hemorrhages can be caused by the use of some drugs. However, it is important to note that they can also be caused by a variety of other factors, including trauma to the nails, nail psoriasis, and certain medical conditions. If you notice red lines on your nails, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment if necessary.
Splinter hemorrhages are often a result of tiny blood clots known as microemboli in the capillaries under the nails. These clots can be caused by a variety of factors, including vessel damage from swelling of the blood vessels (vasculitis) or infection of the heart valves (endocarditis). While treatment is not usually required for splinter hemorrhages, it is important to address any underlying conditions that may be causing them.
If you suspect that your drug use may be contributing to the development of splinter hemorrhages, it is crucial to seek professional help. A healthcare provider can assess your individual situation, determine the specific cause of the splinter hemorrhages, and provide guidance on managing your drug use and nail health.
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Heart valve infections
Red lines on nails are known as splinter haemorrhages. They are characterised by red, splinter-like streaks under the nails, which run in the direction of nail growth. They occur when blood leaks or swells from small blood vessels that run up and down the nail bed. They can be caused by trauma to the nails, such as dropping something on them, hitting them against something, or getting them stuck in an obstacle. They can also be caused by certain drugs or nail psoriasis. In some cases, they may be a sign of an infection of the heart valves (endocarditis).
People at risk of developing endocarditis include those with congenital heart defects, damaged heart valves, or a history of endocarditis. Other risk factors include intravenous drug use, dental procedures, and invasive medical procedures. Symptoms of endocarditis may include fever, chills, fatigue, night sweats, weight loss, and a new heart murmur.
It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have endocarditis. Treatment for endocarditis typically involves a course of antibiotics to clear the infection. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair or replace damaged heart valves.
To prevent endocarditis, it is important to maintain good dental hygiene and to seek prompt treatment for any dental infections. For people at high risk of endocarditis, antibiotics may be recommended before certain dental or medical procedures to reduce the risk of infection.
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Frequently asked questions
Red lines on nails are called splinter hemorrhages.
Splinter hemorrhages are caused by blood leaking or swelling from small blood vessels that run up and down the nail bed. They can also be caused by tiny blood clots known as microemboli in the capillaries.
Splinter hemorrhages look like thin, red to reddish-brown lines of blood under the nails. They run in the direction of nail growth and resemble a splinter under the fingernail.
Splinter hemorrhages are usually not serious and do not require treatment. However, they can sometimes indicate underlying health problems, such as nail trauma, nail psoriasis, the use of certain drugs, or infections of the heart valves (endocarditis).
If you notice splinter hemorrhages on your nails, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. They can evaluate whether there is an underlying condition that requires treatment.
