Noah Sinclair
Changes in the colour, texture, or shape of your nails can be harmless, but they can also be indicative of underlying health issues. For instance, red under the fingernails can be a sign of splinter hemorrhages, which are small areas of bleeding under the nails that occur when small blood vessels under the skin burst due to damage. They can also be a sign of inflammation, a bacterial or yeast infection, or connective tissue disease.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Redness under the nails | Could be a sign of splinter hemorrhages, inflammation, injury, or an infection called paronychia |
| Splinter hemorrhages | Small areas of bleeding under the nails that look like thin, red or reddish-brown lines |
| Paronychia | An infection that causes inflammation, redness, tenderness, and swelling of the skin folds and tissues surrounding the nails |
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What You'll Learn
Redness could be a sign of infection
Redness under the fingernails could be a sign of infection. Nails are made of a protein called keratin, and changes in their colour, shape, or texture can be a sign of an underlying health condition such as nutritional deficiencies, infections, or systemic diseases.
Redness under the fingernails could be a sign of a condition called paronychia, which is an infection around the nail. It causes inflammation, redness, tenderness, and swelling of the skin folds and tissues surrounding the nails. It is usually the result of irritants or allergens but can be caused by the fungus Candida albicans, other infections, or psoriasis. It can be treated with topical steroids, antibiotic creams, or tablets. If there is a large amount of pus, surgical drainage may be required.
Another possible cause of redness under the fingernails is splinter hemorrhages, which are small areas of bleeding under the nails. They look like thin, red or reddish-brown lines of blood below the nails that run vertically in the direction of nail growth. They are usually 1 to 3 millimetres long and appear closer to the end of the nails. Splinter hemorrhages occur when small blood vessels under the nail bed burst due to damage or trauma. They can be a sign of an underlying condition, especially if they occur in more than one nail.
Additionally, redness under the fingernails could indicate inflammation, a bacterial or yeast infection, or connective tissue disease. Puffy redness near the cuticle, in particular, can be a sign of these conditions.
If you notice redness under your fingernails, it is important to consult a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or your primary care provider, for a thorough examination and proper diagnosis. They will be able to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.
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Red streaks may indicate skin cancer
Changes in the colour of your nails can indicate an underlying health issue. Fingernails can reflect changes in your overall health, as they are made of a protein called keratin. A red discolouration under the nails could be due to a number of reasons, some more serious than others.
Red streaks under the fingernails may indicate splinter haemorrhages, which are tiny streaks of blood underneath the nail plate. They are called splinter haemorrhages because they resemble thin wooden splinters. Trauma is the most common cause of splinter haemorrhages, but they can also be caused by underlying health conditions. They can be a sign of an underlying condition if they appear in more than one nail. They usually only affect one nail in otherwise healthy people. They first appear reddish or reddish-brown, but they will darken to brown or black within a few days. They are more common in males and in people with darker skin tones.
If the red discolouration is accompanied by swelling, redness, warmth, tenderness and soreness, it could be a sign of acute paronychia, which is often the result of a Staphylococcus infection. This can be treated with antibiotic creams or tablets, or by draining the pus if there is a large amount. If left untreated, it can become chronic, and the problem can become long-term. Chronic paronychia often affects people who have their hands in water for long periods or come into contact with chemicals.
Red streaks under the nails may also be an indication of subungual melanoma, a rare type of skin cancer that occurs under the nails. It is a particularly serious form of cancer because it can rapidly spread to other organs if not detected and treated early. Subungual melanoma may be harder to detect than other types of melanoma because the symptoms occur under the nails. It can also be mistaken for bruising. Other symptoms include colour changes in or around the nail, a bruise under the nail that does not heal, and the nail separating from the nail bed.
If you notice any changes to your nails, it is important to see a board-certified dermatologist. They will be able to tell you whether the change is harmless or requires medical testing and treatment.
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Red lines could be a splinter haemorrhage
Red lines under the fingernails could be a splinter haemorrhage. A splinter haemorrhage is a small area of bleeding under the nails, which can affect both the fingernails and toenails. They are called splinter haemorrhages because they look like thin, red or reddish-brown lines that run vertically in the direction of nail growth, resembling a wood splinter. They can be single or multiple and may be asymptomatic or tender.
The primary symptom of a splinter haemorrhage is a small amount of bleeding underneath a nail, caused by damaged blood vessels under the skin beneath the nail bed. The bleeding creates a splinter-like line in the direction of nail growth. Splinter haemorrhages are more common in males than in females and are frequently observed in older individuals. They are also more prevalent in dark-skinned people than in light-skinned people.
The most common cause of splinter haemorrhages is trauma or injury to the nail, such as stubbing a toe or finger, or getting acrylic nails. In such cases, the haemorrhage will disappear as the nail grows out, and no treatment is necessary. However, splinter haemorrhages can sometimes be a sign of an underlying disease or disorder that damages blood vessels. Proximal haemorrhages, especially those affecting multiple fingernails, are more likely to be caused by a systemic disease.
If you notice red lines under your fingernails and suspect a splinter haemorrhage, it is important to seek medical advice, especially if there is no apparent cause for the haemorrhage or if it occurs in more than one nail. A doctor will be able to evaluate your condition and determine if any underlying conditions are present.
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Redness and swelling could be paronychia
Redness and swelling under the fingernails could be a sign of paronychia, an infection of the proximal and lateral toenail and fingernail folds. Paronychia is one of the most common infections of the hand and can occur spontaneously or following trauma or manipulation. It is characterised by redness, pain, swelling, and tenderness around the nail, and the skin is usually warm to the touch.
Paronychia is caused by bacteria entering broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, which introduces bacteria and predisposes the area to infection. The cuticle is the skin at the base of the nail, and the nail fold is where the skin and nail come together. It can be acute (lasting less than six weeks) or chronic (persisting longer than six weeks). Acute paronychia is usually due to bacterial infection with Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas, or other bacterial pathogens. It can also be caused by the cold sore virus, herpes simplex, or the yeast Candida albicans. Chronic paronychia is usually caused by mechanical or chemical factors and sometimes by a fungal infection, especially Candida species.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing paronychia. It is more common in women than in men, with a female-to-male ratio of 3:1. Occupations that require constant contact with water or chemicals, such as dishwashers, bartenders, and housekeepers, are at higher risk. Middle-aged females are at the highest risk of infection. Additionally, certain medications, including retinoids, anti-cancer drugs, HIV medications, and some antibiotics, can also contribute to the development of paronychia.
It is important to seek medical advice if you notice any abnormalities in your nails, such as changes in colour, texture, shape, or thickness. While not all nail changes are indicative of a serious condition, a board-certified dermatologist can help diagnose and treat any underlying issues.
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Redness near cuticle could be inflammation, a bacterial or yeast infection, or Lupus
Redness near the cuticle could indicate several conditions, including inflammation, bacterial or yeast infections, or, in rare cases, Lupus. While some of these issues are relatively harmless and easily treatable, others may require prompt medical attention.
Inflammation and Infection
Redness near the cuticle could be a result of inflammation or infection. Paronychia, a common nail infection, occurs when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, causing redness, swelling, and pain. This condition usually develops over several hours or days and can be treated with antibiotics and, in some cases, drainage of pus. It is important to maintain good nail hygiene and avoid biting or picking at the nails and cuticles to prevent such infections.
Lupus
In rare cases, redness near the cuticle could be a sign of Lupus, an autoimmune disease that can affect the skin. While Lupus most commonly causes a rash that spreads across the nose and cheeks in the shape of a butterfly, it can also lead to hair loss, thinning hair, and nail changes. These nail changes can include splitting or crumbling nails, discolouration, and swollen skin around the nails. If you suspect you may have Lupus, it is important to consult a dermatologist or rheumatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Other Causes
Redness under the fingernails could also be due to other factors, such as yeast infections or certain underlying diseases. Changes in nail colour, texture, or shape can sometimes indicate an underlying health condition. For example, yellow nails can be a sign of lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis, while dark streaks on the nail can indicate melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a board-certified dermatologist if you notice any persistent or concerning changes to your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Redness under the fingernails can be a sign of an injury or infection. It could be a condition called paronychia, which causes inflammation, redness, tenderness, and swelling of the skin folds and tissues surrounding the nails. It may also be splinter hemorrhages, which are small areas of bleeding under your nails that look like thin, red or reddish-brown lines.
Paronychia is usually caused by irritants or allergens, but it can also be caused by the fungus Candida albicans, other infections, or psoriasis.
Paronychia can be treated with antibiotic creams or tablets. If there is a large amount of pus, surgical draining may be necessary.
